Now that we’re well into 2015, it’s time to assess your new year’s resolution. If you’re still going strong into February, big props to you. Slap yourself on the back and enjoy a cold one – unless, that is, your resolution is an alcohol-free ’15.
Fitness goals, like most other new year’s resolutions, quickly fade once January’s over. Once the months start rolling into summer and autumn, the odds are really stacked against you. According to some estimates, less than 1 of every 10 new year’s resolutions make it through the entire calendar year. With an average success rate of just 8%, something (or more likely, a combination of events) is going wrong. What’s the key to success? And how can you keep your new year’s resolution going past January, let alone into December?
Many goals are primarily focused toward physical improvement – weight loss, increased strength, greater fitness and more. Yet achieving those physical milestones requires a great deal of mental and spiritual fortitude. And as tough as the exercises will be, you’ll have to be tougher mentally. With singular focus and unwavering discipline, ANY new year’s resolution is within reach.
In order to make it beyond January and gain some much-needed momentum into the remaining winter months, here are some tips & tricks to extend your new year’s resolution – not just month-to-month, but for lifelong change.
Don’t Overreach
In other words, set simple goals. Making lifestyle changes is stressful enough, and when the goal itself is well-nigh impossible, it’s easy to quit. It never hurts to set the bar low, especially if this is your first new year’s resolution.
Set Specific Goals
Many folks begin January 1st with a vague idea of their resolution. “I wanna lose weight.” “I want to jog more this year.” “Maybe I’ll join a gym to get fit.” All nice concepts, for sure…but what exactly are they saying? Be specific in your new year’s resolution BEFORE January 1st. Instead of the 3 previous statements, decide how much weight you want to lose, how many miles per day / week / month to jog and what gym realistically fits your budget and goals. Without a solid plan in place, it’ll be hard to get past January.
Consider A Multi-Year Resolution
If you have truly big goals in mind – say, competing in the famous Ironman Triathlon or winning a bodybuilding contest – be realistic about how long this will take. Major transformations in lifestyle usually take more than 365 days. Sketch out a plan, and set yearly goals over the entire timeframe. For the bodybuilding example, your 2015 resolution could focus on better dietary habits and fat loss, while 2016 might focus on increasing strength & flexibility. By 2017, you may be ready to enter and win! Once you grasp the big picture, getting past January (or multiple Januarys) is easy.
Prepare Yourself In December (Or Earlier)
Many resolutions are doomed from the start. If you “ease into things” with small changes in November or December, you’re already ahead of the curve in January.
Visualize Obstacles & Adversity
Very few new year’s resolutions go smooth from the start. Realize that you’ll eventually face setbacks, and figure out a plan to overcome them. Hurdle a few roadblocks, and before you know it, January has become February.
Is your resolution fitness-focused? Used Gym Equipment can help you source & select top-quality, affordable refurbished exercise machines for your home gym or business. Our professional, proven process allows our customers to choose high-function equipment at a fraction of the cost for new workout gear.
For more information about UGE and how we can make your new year’s resolution worthwhile, please call our fitness specialists at (800) 884-1446, or visit our contact page for other ways to reach us.
Hopefully your new year’s resolution is still active. If not, we can help! Thanks for reading the UGE blog, and check back for more helpful news, stories & analysis related to the world of exercise and fitness.
