How You Can Stay On Track This New Year

Another year, another resolution.

It’s that time of year when many people make fitness resolutions. The gyms are busy, and the classes book up quickly. In the beginning, you may find the first few weeks easy. You feel energized like you could definitely make this part of your routine.

But then there comes a point in January where the desire has worn off and the motivation has dropped. People have started to refer to January 17th as Quitter’s Day, because statistically, that is when most resolutions fizzle out.

So, here are our tips to help you stay on track and keep your resolutions alive this year!

BE REALISTIC:

Don’t make your resolutions unattainable to you. Keep it simple and sustainable. If you have not worked out in a while, you would not say you are going to work out every single day. You build up to it. Maybe start working out twice a week and get into a groove. If you are realistic with yourself, it will make keeping your resolution easier.

PLAN AHEAD:

More often than not, if you put something off long enough it will never get done. This is the same with working out. I suggest planning your workouts for the week ahead, and then actually going through with it. Put in your diary or calendar, and tell people you are going to work out. Making that plan will help you to hold yourself accountable.

TALK ABOUT IT:

Don’t keep your resolutions to yourself. If you tell someone about your resolution, it can make it more realistic. It can help you be responsible and lean on them for support. You never know if they could share the same resolution and come and workout together and keep each other motivated.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS:

Keeping track of your progress is a helpful way to keep you motivated. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the small milestones; like reaching a new sprint speed on the treadmill or even trying a new class. These small-term goals within your resolution will help you to see how far you have come, and help you stay on track.

DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP:

Some days, I get it, you don’t feel up to it. Life can throw anything at you. Don’t be discouraged by this and don’t let the little things in life hinder you. Don’t obsess over the occasional slip-up, that will not help. Accept it and do your best every day.

STICK AT IT: 

Statistically, they say it takes 22 days to make something a new habit and 6 months to make something within your personality, so keep at it: have faith, be persistent and resilient. It will come.

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Written by Bethany.

Live in Harmony Co-Creator, In-house Registered Behavioural Technician, Certified Personal Trainer.

Group Fitness - Strength in Numbers

Working out with a group of dedicated and hard-working people can push you beyond your own limits, and you may have felt this effect when working out virtually in a group class. Yet, there’s definitely something to be said about the energy, the music, and the vibes inside a studio. Read about the five key benefits of group fitness below, and what exactly contributes to creating that ‘feel good’ effect.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

You are more likely to show up for a workout if others are happy to see you. Find a friend or a family member to do a class with. That way you can rely on each other to sign up, show up and motivate each other throughout the class!

VARIETY:

Doing the exact same movements or exercises day after day can get boring. Having variety in your workout regularly will help you achieve your goals in a fun and exciting way. It’s always nice to challenge yourself with the basics (i.e. squats, curls, presses...), but new moves and new class formats can challenge you in ways you might not have thought about previously!

CONVENIENCE:

You do not need to create your own fitness program anymore - what a weight off your shoulders that is! Group fitness allows you to get the best workout possible and minimize the risk of injury. Best of all, the research and planning are already done for you, so whether you are a beginner or an avid gym goer, you can now leave all your stresses and worries at the door and just concentrate on yourself!

INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION:

Since you are moving and sweating with a group of people, you are more likely to work harder. The group approach encourages you to try your best to accomplish more in the given time frame. Another great aspect is the community feel. That motivation in a community atmosphere can help give you the push you need. It can help you stay that extra 10 seconds in a sprint or a plank, or even help you get those last few reps in.

STRESS RELEASE:

Studies have shown that the combined effects of; group affiliation, social interaction, upbeat music, and focusing on yourself - which are all aspects of group fitness - can help you forget about your day-to-day worries and can help reduce stress significantly. There’s a reason that so many people refer to exercise as their form of therapy.

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Written by Bethany.

Live in Harmony's Co-Creator, In-house Registered Behavioural Technician and Certified Personal Trainer.