2019 is here — this means the dreaded planning for 2019 fitness resolution has once again begun. In this article, we are offering advice to those of you who are vowing to lose weight or shape up in 2019.
Advice on how best to stick to New Year’s Resolutions instead of falling at the first hurdle. Our team have compiled a list of eight tips to help make those diet and exercise resolutions stay on track and achieve their dreams in 2019.
We are here to remind our readers to make realistic resolutions by setting small, achievable goals along the way, and to always write their aims and aspirations down. It’s also a good idea to talk through resolutions with friends and family.
Remember to regularly reward yourself for staying on track!
8 Easy Ways To Stick To Your 2019 Fitness Resolution
During the last few weeks of December, many people will be thinking about what they’d like to achieve in the next twelve months. A poll released by YouGov this year revealed the two most popular resolutions made for 2018 which were:
- Eat better
- Exercise more
This year, we expect a similar trend partly because so many people will have fallen off the bandwagon somewhere along the line. It’s not easy to overturn a lifetime of unhealthy habits. However, by being realistic, eating real foods and getting your beauty sleep, you’ll have a far greater chance of sticking to your resolutions and achieving your goals this year.
1. Be Realistic
Rome wasn’t built in a day and complete health and wellness won’t happen overnight, so be realistic and be patient. For most people, dropping a lifetime of habits can’t happen in a snap of a finger.
Long-term results are achieved through small, gradual changes, so rather than thinking that you want to get up and start running 5k every morning, work up to it slowly instead of jumping in at the deep end. If you push too hard, you may find it difficult to maintain new habits and then you’ll end up giving up altogether.
2. Set Small Goals
You’ll be able to maintain your motivation throughout the year by establishing small benchmarks, perhaps monthly. This will give you the reason to celebrate small victories and help you realise that you’re moving towards a bigger goal bit by bit.
3. Write It Down
Instead of simply thinking to yourself “I want to lose weight” or “I want to run a marathon”, think how you’re going to get there. How do you get from point A to point B?
When you’ve established what you need to do, day by day, week by week, (see point #2) make sure you write it down. Keeping a regular checklist and something material to refer back to will help solidify the task and keep you on track.
4. Talk About It
Don’t keep your resolution a secret! Talk to friends and family members who will be there to support you. Even better, it might help you find a buddy who shares your New Year’s resolutions so you can motivate each other.
5. Keep It Fresh
No matter how and when you choose to move your body, it should be enjoyable and for the purpose of celebrating it—not punishing it.
Hate the treadmill? Why not try a Zumba or Bar Method class?
If you’re already going to the gym regularly but find it hard to stay motivated, try something new to revive your resolve and boost your fitness level.
6. Eat Real Foods
Regardless of your fitness goals, your body and mind are going to reap the benefits by making sure that your meals are made from fresh, whole, minimally processed ingredients. Do not ever starve yourself.
Restrictive eating slows down your metabolism and deprivation only leads to craving and future binges.
7. Get Your Beauty Sleep
You might not think that prioritizing quality shut-eye actually counts as a fitness resolution. Getting the right amount of sleep is crucial, especially for those with a more active lifestyle.
So turn your phone off about an hour before you hit the hay. Experiment with relaxing essentials oils or try out a few soothing yoga poses to ease you into bed.
8. Reward Yourself
Celebrate your successes by treating yourself to something you enjoy, but don’t overdo it. Most fitness fans will admit to having a cheat meal or two, but make sure you know when to draw the line.
On the other hand, you could reward yourself with new fitness clothing or by going to the cinema with a friend.