If your New Year’s resolution for 2019 was to start the gym, congratulations! You’ve successful completed two weeks and are on to week 4. This is the make or break time in your New Year’s resolution, many people start to get bored, tired or just find excuses not to go by the start of week four. I’m here as a gentle reminder to keep going and don’t give up, you’ve made it this far and I’m sure you’ve felt so good leaving the gym some days.
There are some common reasons why New Year’s resolution gym goers sometime fall off the wagon sooner than most. Firstly the motivation that you feel the first few days of the year to workout isn’t something you’re used to maintaining, so yes your ambition is great right now but when things start to get tough most people find excuses not to go. Secondly, some don’t really know where to start when first entering a gym and that can be really intimidating, most take up a treadmill for over an hour and just walk because that’s a safe place. After a week or two, the walking starts to get boring and the results start to slow making you unmotivated and not wanting to go back. There’s no need to feel bad, you’re not alone in this, and I’m sure thousands of people around the world do the same thing every year. What they fail to realize is that to actually commit to a gym routine and remain consistent is more than getting up and going- it takes dedication and a lot of will power.
Here are a few tips to help keep it up:
Determine your readiness
Before starting your fitness regime, you really need to determine if you’re actually willing to dedicate the time and effort that it takes. You need to make sure that you’re both physically and mentally ready to start an exercise program. Talk to your doctor and make sure you’re in good health. Once you’re physically cleared, it’s time to assess your mental readiness, ask yourself if you’re really willing to stick with it after you begin. People most likely to succeed when they have, motivation from others, confidence in their routines and do a form of exercise that not only works up a good sweat, but also is enjoyable.
Create a plan; and stick to it
It’s one thing to make the plan, but sticking to it is the real problem here. Determine firstly how many days a week you’d like to exercise, stick with those days and form a routine, there’s not some accountability to work out on your designated days. Then, you need to figure out what type of exercises you’d like to do, my advice would be to try a few different styles before deciding then you’ll know what you love and what you don’t like. Then, you need to determine how much time you’ll spend exercising. If you’d like to do anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour but aren’t sure how it’ll go, try doing a class at the nearest gym. The classes usually run for an hour so you’re sure to get at least one hour of working out on your designated days.
Take it easy
Think of your exercise as a life-long lifestyle change that you’re about to commit to. If you take it easy in the start and let yourself build up to it, you’re less likely to completely hate it from the get go. Many people jump into types of exercises that their bodies just aren’t ready for and this makes them resent working out. Take it slow and challenge yourself along the way, just be aware of changes and increase the intensity at your own pace.
Take a friend
Having someone that your accountable to is always a great way to stay motivated. You always know that your friend will be there and sometimes it turns into a competition. You wouldn’t want your friend to go without you and be one session ahead, would you? This is a great way to ensure you actually exercise and makes it fun for the both of you.
Now, if you’ve started and have found yourself struggling try one or all of the above to help keep you motivated. If you haven’t even started yet, there’s no better time than the present! Use these tips as motivation and LET’S GET MOVING!