With the new year reigning in, as a gym owner/coach, I can’t help but think about the “new years” resolution craze. Every year, we always hear people talk about “In the new year I am going to start my exercise journey, start eating cleaner, and living a healthier life.” I am sure we have all seen the jam packed gym’s on January 1, then a month later, it’s empty.
If you are someone that has this as your goal, here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Start today! Yes, I mean it, if you say you are going to be healthier and exercise more in 2016, start today. The more we say “I’ll start on Monday”, seems like the Monday always keeps getting pushed back further and further. Don’t make any excuses, start now.
- Do not stop! The key to success in health and fitness is CONSISTENCY (check out my article from a few months back here –consistency). Real results take time and a lot of effort. Some days are going to be good, and some days are going to be bad. The key is to keep showing up and putting in the work. My “new years resolution” started 8 years ago, when I looked in the mirror and hated the way I looked and the way I felt. I haven’t stopped yet.
- Surround yourself with like minded people! It really does help to train, hang out and communicate with people that have the same common goal as you. If you show up to a fitness class/workout with people there motivating you and pushing you, it does make it easier. They will also help hold you accountable. This is why Sara and I put so much emphasis on Community at Southwest Strength.
- Make it your # 1 priority every day! Now this may not seem realistic with people working full time, having kids, clothes to wash, supper to cook, houses to clean, etc. However, if you make it a HUGE priority in your life, you will just exercise more. I can almost guarantee that everyday you are PLANNED to do your workout routine, there will be an excuse waiting for you to change your mind. Make it a priority and know that it’s important to your overall well-being.
- There are no quick fixes! Like I said prior, real results take a long time. Even then, sometimes you still may not be satisfied with the results. We all get caught up in the magazines, commercials and social media posts. Unfortunately, some of us are just never going to look like that. This is why people really need to love the journey of fitness. You need to focus on the progress of your abilities and your overall well-being. When I started exercising with the goal of looking better 8 years ago, I had NO IDEA what I was doing. The important thing to take away, was that I exercised 4-6 days a week, and LEARNED ALOT about myself along the way. I am proud to say I haven’t stopped yet, and continue to learn about myself, proper training techniques and what works and doesn’t work for me. Like I have said in the past “My goal is always greater than my excuses”.
Sara and I both hope we can help you along the way. The important thing to take away, is that real results do take a long time and hard work. In my opinion, “new years resolutions” are just a silly term that people in the fitness industry probably use to make money off of. The reality is the “date” has just changed and real time continues to click away. Start working towards your goals today and be happier tomorrow, and for the rest of your life.