A new year is a new beginning and, for many, that means starting a new health journey. Putting an actionable roadmap in place for your fitness journey is key to ensuring you don't fall off the wagon come February. Our guide is here to support you in your fitness journey and to help you stick to a plan. Try out the 6 steps below to help you map out a fitness routine that will work for you.
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Define Your Fitness Goals
Defining goals for your fitness journey can help you stay on track. When you know what your goals are and the steps you need to take to achieve them, you are more likely to stick with your new fitness plan.
Create goals that are SMART. SMART goals are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time-Sensitive
Instead of saying "I'd like to lose weight," your goal should look more like: "I want to lose x pounds by July 1. I will do this by working out 5 days a week, and consuming x calories." Don't overwhelm yourself with goals. Setting 2-3 big goals is a good starting point. You then will want to break those goals down into smaller goals to keep you from getting overwhelmed.
Create a Plan
Now that you've set your fitness goals, you need to have a plan in place. The plan will be your guide to hitting your goals. The plan should include how many days a week you will exercise and what types of exercises you will complete. If you have goals to tone your abs or arms, you will want to add those types of workouts into your plans.
Include exercise and diet in your planing stage, too. The plan should outline how many days per week you will exercise, which days, and when. It's much easier to stick to your new workout routine when you have it on your calendar. Consider prepping meals ahead of time and plan out what you intend to eat and any supplements you would like to incorporate into your diet.
Find an Accountability Partner
Sticking to a new fitness routine is better when someone is doing it with you. Try finding a friend or relative who has similar fitness goals to yours. This person should be someone that you can call or text frequently and even complete workouts with. Going on a new fitness journey is daunting, but with a partner, it will be easier to achieve your goals.
Track Your Progress
Keeping track of your progress can be a great motivator in hitting your fitness goals. You see yourself every day in the mirror, and it's easy to overlook small weight changes. Take pictures weekly so you can visually see your progress. Taking your measurements is also an excellent way of tracking your progress. When you track your progress and see the gains you are making towards your goals, you are more apt to stick to your fitness routine.
Make Time for Yourself
Self-care is an essential part of a new fitness journey. Indulging in your favorite activities is great for your mental health and can give you a break from a busy life. Getting a massage, reading a good book, and going to the movies are all great activities for self-care. It doesn't have to be big.
Have Fun With Exercise
If you're not enjoying your fitness routine, you won't stick to it. No one wants to engage in activities that they hate. Plan your fitness routine around things you love. Do you enjoy dancing? Sign up for a Zumba class. Other activities that are fun and count as exercise include: hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and biking.
Think outside the box when it comes to exercise. Love being outdoors? You don't have to log miles on a treadmill when you can hike your favorite trails. Maybe group fitness is your jam. If you thrive on the energy of a group, look for a local gym that offers group training sessions. Incorporate your favorite activities or try something new to keep your fitness routine fresh and fun!
The new year is the perfect time to get healthy and start a new fitness routine. The 6 tips above are a great guide for helping you get started on your journey. But to stay motivated, you need energy, strength, and drive. Check out Mdrive everyday supplements to help you meet your New Year goals every single day.