New Year - Fit You - Keeping Your Resolutions
It is that time of the year again, you know, the beginning… where we all try to map out our fitness goals for the year. The problem is we can’t go from 0 to 100 overnight. Gyms are suddenly overflowing, but this doesn’t last. Clearly everyone going is well intended so let's talk about how to make manageable and attainable goals for 2024.
Making Realistic Goals
Nothing is more deflating than having a ton of goals for the new year that are crazy hard. For example, this year I won’t be aiming to be able to sit on my head with my backbend, but I can try to get my back walkover back. Still challenging, but more likely.
Break Down Goals
We have a long year ahead of us, let’s not jump the gun. If your goal is to lose 50lb this year, that can be a scary number, but aiming to lose around 4lbs a month is much more manageable. So, instead of obsessing over the end number, work with the smaller numbers. I have gone as far as breaking down goals from Year -> Month -> Week -> Day. My day goal might be as much as making sure I do my morning practice, wanting to try a new trick, or making sure I work on my performance piece.
Checking In With Your Goals
Breaking down your goals can help with this. Keep your goals listed somewhere handy. Have a look at it from time to time throughout the year. Perhaps the first of every month you can have a peak and access. Maybe you were really focused on one goal last month, but completely forgot about another one. This is a good time to make adjustments as needed.
Celebrating Along The Way
Positive reinforcement goes a long way! It is very important to celebrate all wins, no matter how small. It was raining, but you still managed to go out for a walk, amazing! You have to self coach your process, which means you have to remember to love yourself when things go well.
Learning To Reset
On the flip side some days might not always go as planned. If my goal for the year is that I want to be able to do 100 push ups without a break and I’m adding an extra ten each month, but yesterday I was only able to do 33, does that mean that I give up? No! Does it mean tomorrow I need to do 66 or I’ll hate myself forever?? Of course not! It is ok to have an off day or month, it just means there is a new start in front of you. At the end of the year if I’m only mastering 85 push ups in a row, but most months I was able to increase my amount, that is still a major win! Remember you are the one setting the goal. It can be adjusted as needed, what is important is that you keep pushing forward.
Rest Days
It isn’t uncommon for people to get injured when they start a new activity. You might hit it with more fervor than you should, due to your excitement. Don't lose your passion, but learn to pace yourself and take rest days. A lot of magic happens when the body is recovering.
There you have it! Six tips for staying on track with your fitness resolutions in 2024. Remember to stay hydrated and have a blast!
