July 1st, 2022
Sticking to Your Goals – 10 Tips!
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“Guess what, this is my year! By the end of the year, I’m going to be in great shape. You’ll see a new and improved me!”
How many times have you said that you want to improve your fitness levels, that you’ll work harder on training and develop healthy eating habits, only to have this pledge take a back seat as the months pass?
If your New Years’ resolutions are becoming a distant memory, here are 10 helpful tips to ensure your goals don’t get left behind.
How to Stick to Your Goals
1. Short-Term Goals, Long-Term Gains
“I want to be in better shape by the end of the year.”
This sounds like a great idea but take this vague long-term goal and break it down into more specific short-term goals. For example, instead of “being in shape by the end of the year”, let’s say that we want to “lose 5 lbs of body fat in 30 days.”
2. Scale Back
“Time to weigh myself, I haven’t done it yet today.”
It’s good to be enthusiastic about seeing results but weighing yourself daily can get frustrating. To avoid this, step on that scale less frequently, as this will increase your chances of seeing results. Instead, focus on tracking other metrics, such as your energy levels and how your clothes fit.
3. Start Slow, Finish Strong
“It’s my first day of exercise in months; I can’t wait to get a good two-hour workout in!”
While enthusiasm is a positive thing, the key to reaching your goals lies in being safe and injury free. As the old saying goes, we must learn to walk before we can run. A personal trainer is a great way to make sure you’re working out as intensely and effectively – but also as safely as possible.
4. Team Up
“Do you mind leaving the room so I can get my workout in?”
Often times one of the best ways to stay on track to achieving a goal is to have a spouse or friend join you on this journey to betterment. A support system is important, which is why we offer semi-private training to our clients so you can share the benefits of training with your family member or friend.
5. Commit To a Healthy Lifestyle
“Sure, I can have a few more slices of pizza; I went to the gym today.”
To successfully reach your goals, you must make a full lifestyle commitment, not just the one hour per day spent working out. Your diet throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening will have critical impact on the end result of your goals.
6. Write It Down
“I’m pretty sure I got all my workouts in this week.”
Although it may seem a bit old-school, a great (and cheap) investment for ensuring exercise accountability is a wall calendar. If there was a week-long gap of no exercise, you’ll see it on the calendar, and you’ll be more inclined to correct your routine going forward.
We also have a handy downloadable habit tracker you can use to check off your workouts throughout the week – which will not only help you keep track, but also give you a reason to celebrate when you see your successes.
7. Reaping the Rewards
“Even though I reached my April goal, I’m going to hold off on celebrating until I reach a bigger milestone.”
Self-improvement is a big deal, and it should not go unrecognized. Each short-term goal is a necessary step, and accomplishing each one should be celebrated. Treat yourself to that new shirt, pedicure, or night at the movies, you deserve it!
8. Take the Heel-Toe Express
“I just don’t have any time to exercise!”
Take advantage of opportunities to be more active during your day. Take the stairs at work, and park farther away from the grocery store. Instead of driving, try walking (for shorter commutes). For longer commutes try riding a bike or jogging (the heel toe express). Is there a better feeling than saving money, helping the environment, and becoming healthier at the same time?
9. Have Expert Support
“I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing with these weights, but I’ll figure it out as I go.”
If you are serious about setting your goals and sticking to them, there is no better investment than having a certified personal trainer by your side. We will set you up with enough knowledge for a lifetime of fitness success. If you are worried about the cost of a personal trainer, invest in sessions once a week, or once a month – whatever your budget dictates – every little bit of personal training will help keep you on track.
10. Have Fun!
“Another day…. Another workout”
Making the workouts fun increases the odds you’ll wake up eager to keep reaching towards your next goal. At times you may feel physically and mentally exhausted but pushing your body to work towards things you never thought possible will make the end result that much more satisfying.
Begin Reaching Your goals
If you want to finally stick to – and reach – your goals, we’re here to help. We’d love to help you create a customized fitness and nutritional plan, track your progress, and celebrate with you along the way. Contact us today to begin reaching your goals.
