This is the year you are going to make it happen!

You have committed to     (fill in the blank)    in your health journey.

Before you begin, it’s a good idea to consult a health professional if you have any questions. And, be safe! Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Push hard, but don’t overdo it. You want to be able to sustain the workout, not burn out!

Whatever your health goal or resolution is, here are some tips to help you keep going when the initial motivation and enthusiasm has faded.

BREAK THE BIG GOAL INTO SMALL, REACHABLE STEPS.

The first step must be attainable and something you can actually do! Then add to your routine incrementally. For example, if your goal is to run a 5K, but you haven’t left the couch in a while, the first goal may be to run to the corner and back for a week. The next step is to run around the block for the next week. Then run around 2 blocks for the week after that. You get the idea… in a short while you will be able to run the entire 5K distance.

MAKE IT COST SOMETHING.

Place a friendly wager with a family member, friend or colleague. If you reach your goal  – you win! If you don’t –  you pay!

Or, if you prefer to keep it a more private effort, put aside a set amount of money each week. If you’ve made your goal within the given time frame, you get to use the cash. If you haven’t made your goal, you donate it to a worthy cause.

DECIDE THAT YOUR HEALTH IS IMPORTANT.

You maintain your vehicle because it’s important. Maintaining your body is even more important!  Investing in a healthy body increases your strength and stamina, improves your mental health and boosts your immune system. Your body is the vehicle YOU travel in everyday! It’s the only one you have, invest in it!

MAKE IT A GROUP THING.

Invite friends along with you on your fitness journey. Join a club or organize your own fitness club. When you work out with others it helps keep you accountable and on task. Additionally, healthy camaraderie and competition can make routine things fun! It’s human nature to push ourselves a little more when others are watching.

CHANGE IT UP.

Let’s face it…exercises can get boring. So, to combat the boredom rotate a different activity into your routine every week or two. If your chosen activity is walking or running, take a different route on different days. This reduces boredom by giving your body and mind a fresh challenge. It also increases the chances you’ll stay motivated on your fitness journey.

MEASURE YOUR PROGRESS.

Fitness trackers and apps are extremely helpful with this! Because gains you make can be subtle, you may not see them when you look in the mirror. However, if you record where you were at the beginning and track what you are doing, you’ll be able to clearly see your accomplishments and inspire yourself to keep going!

Quick Tip: The scale is not the best measures of your success…it lies! Even is the scale hasn’t moved, you’ll know you’re making progress because you feel better and your clothes fit differently. (Read more)

MAKE SWIMMING PART OF YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE.

Swimming is one of the most all-encompassing exercises you can do! The benefits of swimming regularly are really quite amazing! To learn more, read our blog post, What Happens When You Swim Every Day?

HERE’S TO A NEW, HEALTHY VERSION OF YOU! HAPPY FITNESS!