It may sound counterintuitive, but physical activity is a powerful pick-me-up that reduces fatigue and boosts energy levels. It’s never too late to start building strength and endurance, although people with certain health issues should talk to their doctor before increasing their daily exercise.
Set Goals
Having a clear fitness destination and understanding why you are going there is an important part of the journey. This is particularly true if you are new to exercise, haven’t been exercising for a while, or suffer from a chronic health condition. A big fitness goal can be daunting and hard to stick with when you are starting out, so it’s important to break that ultimate destination down into more manageable goals. For example, your ultimate fitness goal may be to run a 5K. But, your more specific goal could be to run one block each week.
By breaking your ultimate goal down into smaller goals, you can focus on running for longer each time and track your progress. Fitness goals need to be measurable so that you can see your progress and celebrate the milestones as you reach them. For instance, if your goal is to become stronger, a measurable goal might be increasing the number of push-ups you can do in one minute or you might even try negative push up. It’s also essential that your goals are time-bound, so you can plan the steps you need to take to get there. This creates a sense of urgency, helping to keep you on track.
Setting measurable, specific, and attainable fitness goals can help you stay motivated throughout the process of achieving them. It’s important to not push yourself too hard, however. Doing too much too soon can lead to injury, discouragement, or even burnout. Instead, start by gradually building up your fitness level over a few months or weeks. This will give you confidence that you can achieve your long-term goals. This is a good time to check out the different workout options available to you. For instance, look into classes at a gym or fitness boutique in your area.
Get a Gym Membership
One of the most common resolutions made in the new year is to hit the gym more often. However, the gyms know this, too, and they often jack up their membership prices in January to take advantage of all those Johnny-come-latelies. Fortunately, there are many ways to save on your gym membership.
Try out the gym before you commit. Many gyms offer a week or free day pass to give you a feel for the place and the environment. If you’re comfortable enough, ask for a month-long trial period. This will help you figure out if the gym is a good fit for you and help you avoid any unused membership charges or hidden cancellation fees in the future.
Check your health insurance. Some insurance companies provide discounts on gym memberships. If yours doesn’t, see if you can get one by calling the member services number on the back of your card or speaking with your human resources insurance expert. If you’re able to wait, many gyms are having sales in the last few days of December and into early January. They typically have sales teams that need to meet quotas, so they’re more likely to throw in extra perks like free months or lowered rates to entice you to sign up.
Be sure to read the contract before you sign on the dotted line. Gym contracts can be lengthy, packed with fine print, and may require an annual commitment. If you’re not 100% confident that you’ll hit the gym four times a week, it’s still best to stick with a month-to-month membership or pay for each visit. It will save you money and prevent you from feeling guilty if you skip the gym or have a bad month where you only go twice.
Diversify Your Routine
Variety is key to maintaining a sustainable fitness regimen. Once you’ve set your initial goals and established a routine, it’s essential to diversify your workout activities. Doing the same exercises repeatedly can lead to boredom and plateaus in progress. Consider incorporating different forms of exercise, such as cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. This not only keeps things interesting but also engages various muscle groups, promoting overall fitness. Trying out new activities, whether it’s cycling, swimming, or yoga, can add excitement to your fitness journey and contribute to a well-rounded, healthier lifestyle.
Adding diversity to your routine can also be an effective strategy to prevent burnout. It’s common for individuals to lose motivation when the workout becomes monotonous. By regularly introducing new elements, you can stay engaged and motivated. This could involve attending different fitness classes, exploring outdoor activities, or even participating in recreational sports. The key is to find activities that you enjoy, ensuring that your fitness journey remains a positive and fulfilling experience.