Are you ready to kickstart your fitness routine this new year?
Thousands of well-intentioned people make New Year’s resolutions to eat better, exercise more, or take their workouts to the next level.
But did you know that up to 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail[*]?
Despite that pretty grim statistic, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Follow our tips, and 2020 could be the year you finally get in shape.
How to Kickstart Your Fitness Routine In the New Year and Crush Your 2020 Resolutions
Work through these five easy steps to set and keep your New Year’s resolutions, and achieve your goals:
#1. Set Attainable Goals
Many resolution-makers fail because they don’t start with attainable or realistic goals.
So instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” you should set a goal to hit the gym three to four times per week for the next six months.
The first goal, losing a set amount of weight, is not guaranteed to happen on a predictable schedule. Weight loss often comes down to factors both in and out of your control.
If the scale doesn’t reflect your hard work, you may feel defeated and ready to quit.
However, committing to three or four gym sessions is much more within your control.
#2. Create a Solid Fitness Routine
Should you jump right into weight lifting, run on a treadmill, do more yoga?
Most people “wing it” when it comes to their workouts, which may be another reason why so many resolutions fail.
But a fitness plan that keeps your weight loss and exercise goals in mind will allow you to track your progress and stay motivated during the inevitable ups and downs.
A solid plan also prevents aimless wandering around the gym. You’ll get in, get out, and maximize your workout time.
So research the best workouts for your goals (be it weight loss, muscle gains, toning, etc.) and create a fitness plan.
Make sure to add built-in progression to ensure each training session gets you one step closer to achieving your goals and seeing real progress.
#3. Choose Exercises You Actually Enjoy
If you don’t enjoy certain exercises, you’ll be less likely to stick with them.
So start with classes or exercises you actually like and then bump up their intensity the longer you perform them.
Consider skipping the New Year’s rush at your local gym by streaming your workouts online. Plenty of websites offer both free and paid classes. Or try downloading some of our favorite workout apps!
After a few weeks of forming this habit, which is much harder to do when you hate something, you can try a different exercise.
Aim to strike a balance between challenging yourself with something new and exercises you can stick with long-term.
Remember: Whether in-person or online, always choose reputable programs that fit your fitness level. Don’t just go by how many followers an instructor has.
#4. Take Your Fitness Routine to the Next Level
Already have a solid fitness routine in place?
You can use 2020 to fine-tune your progress and beat your baselines. Try repeating your exercise program and adjusting variables like time, speed, weight, reps, incline, etc.
You can also take on a new program to reset your body’s expectations and work different muscles. This good shock to your system may help you score quick results.
If you’re starting from the ground-up, compare your current results with your New Year’s resolution goals every three months. Adjust your intensity/frequency/variety of exercise as needed.
#5. Don’t Let Your Diet Sabotage Your Hard Work at the Gym
Start meal-prepping breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks for the week so you always have something healthy on hand.
This will help you avoid late-night trips to the drive-thru and keep your pantry well-stocked with essentials like veggies, protein powder, and post-workout snacks. It’s important to make sure you’re prepared so that when hunger hits, you have a healthy snack ready to go like your favorite vegan protein bar.
Now You’re Ready to Kickstart Your Fitness Routine for 2020
Feeling motivated and ready to kickstart your new fitness routine?
Before you jump into anything, jot down your goals, choose a workout plan that makes sense, and find exercises you don’t hate.
Stick it out for a few weeks, and you’ll start seeing results and find it super easy to level-up your fitness routine later.
Cheers to the future new and improved you!
Author: Devan Ciccarelli
Email: devan@behappynothangry.com
Instagram/Facebook Group: @behappynothangry/Be Happy Not Hangry
Website: www.behappynothangry.com
