New Year, New Fitness Plan

It’s that time of year again when we all want a fresh start. Whether we are setting new year resolutions, a new diet, new fitness regime or a combination of all 3, here are some pointers to ensure you succeed.

1. Be realistic
Any changes we make must be sustainable. Don’t make rash new rules like ‘no more chocolate ever again!’ or, I’m going to lose 5 stone in 3 months’ or I’m going to hit the gym everyday’.

Instead think about making small changes that over time can help make a big difference. Think manageable changes like I will eat vegetables with 2 meals a day, at least 5 days a week or I will eat a least 1 piece of fruit every day or even 1 will drink 5 glasses of water every day. If fitness is your goal think about attending 2 fun classes a week or swim/ hit the gym twice a week. Then, once you’ve built this into your everyday lifestyle you can add another small difference. By making small beneficial changes at a time, it won’t seem like such challenge.

2. Make sure your goals are SMART
What are SMART goals? The SMART in SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goal helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame

SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely—all of which are important in reaching a fitness objective. SMART goals can help keep you on track and remind you of your priorities, so you're able to follow through with every workout or healthy meal you have planned.

3. Don’t give up
If you miss a gym session or hit the pizza hard on a Saturday night, don’t worry its just a bump in the road. Pick yourself up, forgive yourself and get right back on track. Forget the all or nothing attitude, the occasional hurdle is still better than giving up. Just remind yourself why you’re making this change and recommit.

4. Learn from mistakes
When we do get off track try to work out why and try to avoid consistently making the same mistakes.

5. Reward yourself for reaching goals
Decide in advance what your goals will be and reward yourself with something none food/fitness relate.

6. Be accountable
Once you’ve decided you’re going to commit, talk to people about it. Let your partner/family/friends know about it. Make yourself accountable for the changes you’ve decided to make. Try working with a partner/friend/family so you can both commit together.