Congratulations!
If you’re reading this then you’ve made it to 2019 and that’s something to be proud of. If your 2018 was anything like mine, then I’m sure you’re excited to have another year behind you and a fresh new year and a new start at your fingertips.
As clichéd as the world makes us think it is, and maybe rightfully so, most of us have set fitness goals as part of our New Year’s resolutions. Yes, even I have. So, my first column of 2019 is dedicated to helping you set the right kind of fitness goals and following through with the execution process.
Here are some quick tips to take on the New Year!
Tip 1: Know exactly what your goal is, write it down, and have a visual representation
Knowing you want to lose weight isn’t enough. Add a number to it, add a time frame to it, look at pictures and print out the ones with the ideal body you’d like to work toward. A lot of people don’t have a true fitness goal; they just have an idea. I challenge you to know precisely what you want. Give it some thought, do some research and put pen to paper.
Tip 2: Cut all negative ties
This is true not only in fitness but in life. Negativity has an unwanted effect on your goals, so it has to go! You’ll have to eliminate the dead weight if you plan to move forward. This is a hard task for a lot of people, especially when these negative people have been in our lives so long, and even more when we used to indulge in the negative habits, but they will have to be let go if you plan to be great.
Tip 3: Create a clear action plan on how
you will achieve your goals
Knowing what you want is good but putting together a how-to plan of action is equally or even more important. This plan should have notes on how often you’ll workout, where, which days and times, what you’ll eat and all that fun stuff that will help you smash those goals you set. When you’re done writing/typing, post it up somewhere you can see it daily and keep your eating guide in your bag/purse/at your workstation. I would recommend seeking professional guidance for fitness plans and meal plans if you’re unsure of where to start.
Tip 4 Celebrate your success
Every little success on your journey is important. Set milestone markers for yourself and a set reward for when you hit those targets. One of my favourite rewards when I achieve small successes (and big ones), is getting new gear or footwear.
Tip 5: Take photos
It’s really important to capture your journey so you can see your body changing along the way. Sometimes it’s hard to notice the changes simply by looking in the mirror so the photos create a great reference when it’s time to look back over the weeks/months/years.
Tip 6: Enjoy the process
Your journey doesn’t have to be boring. From the workouts to the food – there are so many ways to keep things exciting and fresh (Google is your friend and so am I). It’s always a good idea to browse through your favourite social media accounts for workout inspiration and recipe ideas. Cheers to a Happy and Healthy New Year.