We seem to lead such busy lives these days.
Sometimes it can appears that life, work, the weather and family commitments all conspire against us, preventing us from doing the things we need to do. We may have made a new years resolution to workout more on January 1st, but deep down you know the truth is that, after a few months, life, work, the weather and family commitments will get in the way and your plans will be ruined.
So here are some quick tips to help you remain dedicated to keeping fit and to working out throughout the year, whatever life throws at you.
Tip 1: Decide your goals for 2017
The new year is your opportunity to really think about your health and fitness goals for the next 12 months. They do not need to be to challenging goals, either! Instead of setting yourself one daunting goal for the whole year, set yourself a series of modest but achievable goals, each more challenging than the one before it. Oh, and don’t forget to include a reasonable deadline for completion of each of them;
Tip 2: Remember that slow and steady wins the race!
Once you start your new health and fitness program there is no guarantee that things will go the way you planned. There are so many things that can stop you achieving your goals and cause you to be discouraged But, even though life will get in the way, that doesn’t really matter! Slow and steady progress get results and as long as you don’t give up, you will reach your goals in the end. So if life seems like it is throwing you of course just keep going!
Tip 3: Consistent action brings massive results
Even small improvements to your workouts or to your lifestyle can have great results. However, the key to success is ‘consistency’! So commit to making one small change, now. Why not:-
- take up one new form of exercise,
- reduce your alcohol intake
- walk short distances rather than use the car
It is easier to make small changes and it is easier to do them consistently. And actions that lead to small improvements, if consistent, can add up to great changes;
Tip 4: Think ahead so that you are prepared to deal with anything that goes wrong
The American motivational speaker, writer and consultant Denis Waitley, said “Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.” The fact is that life is going to intrude into your workout program. However, it’s not important what happens it’s how you deal with it that matters. So think ahead to ensure that if the worst does happen you have plans in place so that you are able to deal with it. If you know you have got a busy week coming up simply reschedule your run! If the cold weather interferes with your plans to go to the gym, exercise at home! There are always other options, especially if you have prepared beforehand;
