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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
February often decides if those new year resolutions are going to survive. Take back control from Old Man Winter. You’ve got this …
Statistically, most new year resolutions are dropped before we flip the calendar to March. Understandable. February is a dreary month to accomplish life’s basics, let alone something like your dream body. And goals of becoming healthier diminish into trying to overcome the latest head cold. It is easy to lose momentum this time of year. We hear your tiny cry for help from the couch. Here’s what you need to do:
Evaluate
Did the goals you set when ringing in the new year ring true to your heart? Or, were they the result of excess celebratory champagne and other holiday indulgences?
Think about the objectives you set out to achieve. If you have not made any progress yet, perhaps those goals are not meaningful to you. Consider what you resolved to do in 2019 and why.
Sometimes, we need to refocus our motives in order to get the job done. You may not be inspired to sculpt your beach body during sweater weather. However, any day of the year is a good time to exercise for improved mood and stamina (and, oh yeah, stuff like heart health). Make your goals relevant to where you are right now.
Do Anything
Even small, seemingly insignificant steps increase momentum. Many resolved to exercise at the start of the new year. In January, the Center buzzes with the excitement of fresh fitness goals and new journeys. As with any relationship, it takes work to keep it thriving.
Carve out time for your workout. Determine how often you want to exercise and schedule it, using all of technology’s reminders and whistles to keep you on track. There, you just did something for your health!
Schedule your complimentary personal training session to evaluate your current fitness level. (Small step.) Work with the trainer to determine steps needed to reach your goals. Create the workout to make it happen. (Bigger step. You have momentum now and you haven’t even broken a sweat yet!) Execute the workout. (Biggest step.)
Keep the Fire Burning
Avoid the winter doldrums and rekindle that new year attitude with variety. Schedule a Pilates reformer demonstration. Try a kickboxing class. Enjoy time in the Center pool.
Change your fitness routine to keep it fun so mind and body remain engaged—and eager for more. Fresh workouts are mindful workouts, which are the most effective. Have you ever attempted a new Group Fitness class with a wandering mind? It cannot be done, at least not without distractedly bumping into your classmates.
The body craves new exercises in order to be consistently challenged. Variety also helps avoid injury. New movements prevent overstressing the same muscles and bones while simultaneously allowing growth. Your time is precious. Maximize it by gaining the most from each workout.
If you’ve already “fallen off the treadmill,” you probably need to try a new approach. Or, maybe your initial approach did not meet your unique needs, including preferences and accommodations. Talk it through with a personal trainer or instructor.
Practice Patience
Perhaps you are not failing at your resolutions. You just may not be giving yourself enough time to make them a reality. Losing weight, finding a new job, eating healthier – these goals take serious time, including for detours like an unexpected donut. Are your expectations realistic?
For example, weight loss occurs at an average of about one pound per week. Aiming to lose 10 pounds in a month is probably not realistic or even healthy. Know what to expect by talking with trainers (or professionals in a field relevant to your goals). Proceed with the mantra, “slow and steady.”
This is another reason small steps are critical. You’ll feel productive more quickly by recognizing little improvements along your journey well before you fit into those skinny jeans. Acknowledge the small steps, and energize your ultimate goal in the process.
