Staying On Track With Your New Year’s Workout

At Fitness Connection, January is the most exciting time of the year. We love seeing the crowds pouring into their local gyms, ready and willing to connect to a healthier lifestyle through a variety of exercises and workouts that will help them meet their fitness goals. We know that commitments can shake over time, but with these four tips, you’ll be coming back to the gym all year long.

First, don’t be a perfectionist. Setting goals is important in maintaining a fitness regimen, but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t hit them exactly how and when you want to. Fitness is a work in progress, and undue perfectionism can lead to stress and anxiety that ultimately slows you down. Instead, celebrate your successes and be kind to yourself when you experience setbacks. We promise, you will bounce back.

Of course though, you have to keep trying! That’s why you need to make fitness a priority. In addition to the more obvious benefits of weight control and increased strength, sticking with a workout regimen can improve your mental health and mood and even reduce the risk of certain kinds of diseases; it may even improve your lifespan! So whether it’s a good day or a tough day at the gym, know that you’re making a positive difference in your life that will pay off in the future.I

f you need a little help staying accountable, download an app to set and track your goals. That little extra nudge can make all the difference in getting you to the gym, and the charts of progress which those apps draw for you can help to visualize your success on days you might doubt your progress. Once you do see that progress, don’t forget to post results you’re proud of to social media (with hashtag #fitnessconnection) to show off a little! You’re doing good work, and you should receive encouragement for it.

Finally, build a reward into your regimen. Listen: cardio exercises and strength training are hard work, and sometimes you need a little something other than feeling better and looking great to keep you on track. If you need the extra motivation, tack a reward onto the end of your workout. Take a day off or get yourself a massage. Just make sure you take the time to really celebrate what you’re doing, and you’ll be a lot more likely to stick to it. Life is good, after all. Fitness can make it better.

Have any questions about staying motivated in your workout? Just ask any of the instructors or staff at your local gym. We’re always ready to be your Fitness Connection.