Tips for an active new year

The New Year tends to be the prime time for people to begin a new exercise program. Christmas is over and we feel bad about all the delicious food we ate, but then the new year is here and we get a fresh start. Unfortunately, studies show that 80% of people who make that commitment do not make it past the first two months.

Here are five tips to help you make it past February and turn your New Year’s resolution into an ongoing routine.

Start slow

Instead of going in headfirst with an all or nothing mindset, start with shorter workouts a few days per week and gradually increase the length and frequency of your weekly routine. After all, a 20 minute workout doesn’t seem as daunting as a two hour sweat session.

Be accountable

Set a goal for yourself and commit to it. Decide how many days a week you can commit to, where those workouts are going to take place and then write that down. Writing down your goals can be a very powerful activity in itself. If you want to take it to the next level, explain your plan to someone close to you to make yourself more accountable.

Have a plan

Have a workout plan you can follow so you don’t spend your time standing by the dumbbells, figuring out what to do next. Use an app, a plan from the internet or hire a coach who can guide you to take out the guesswork of what your workouts will look like. This will also eliminate potential excuses.

Make it enjoyable

Some people force themselves to only hit the gym, but if there are other types of physical activities you enjoy, add them in! You are much more likely to take the time to be active doing something you find fun, rather than dragging your feet to another treadmill workout you’ve been dreading all week.

Be patient

Results are not going to come right away. Depending on your goal, it takes time for your body to adapt and make the changes to meet your activity level (whether it is aesthetics, performance, or rehab-based). Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks of dedication before throwing in the towel.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a Lifemark clinician, check out our Locations page to find a clinic near you or book online to schedule an appointment.