5 Ways To Get Fit In The New Year
It’s easy to make a resolution. As your noisemaker unfurls, poking the nostril of your nearest and dearest, you feel unstoppable. Capable of any great feat you set your mind to accomplishing. But, in the dawn of a new day, as you wipe the sleep crust from your eyes, reach for an Advil to squash your champagne-induced headache, and throw on your bunny slippers, you feel slightly less Herculean. And you wonder how on earth you will ever live up to your resolution.
The truth is that getting fit is not a feat that can only be accomplished by hydra-slaying Roman gods. Yes, despite your mere mortal status, you can become a much fitter and healthier version of yourself. Here’s some tips that will help you succeed.
Small Feats
By dividing a seemingly daunting task into small, doable steps, you will be better able to focus on what you need to do today to reach your long-term goal and conquer the larger feat of personal fitness.
In WebMD’s “10 Ways to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick,” Psychologist Andrea Bonior, Ph.D. recommends setting behavioral goals like going to the gym three times per week, taking the stairs at work at least twice, and bringing a healthy lunch every day.”
By achieving these small goals, you will not only develop a healthier lifestyle, but you will also be buoyed by your ability to stick to it.
Don’t Overdo It
Incorporate physical exercise into your life at a reasonable rate. If you are new to a fitness regime, aim for lower impact activities like walking, swimming, or riding your bike. Aim for short workouts and gradually increase the intensity and length of your activities. And don’t work out every day. Make sure that you allow your body a couple of “rest” days each week to give it time to heal and recover. After all, the last thing you need is for an injury to sabotage your fitness regime.
Practise Your Culinary Skills
Eating a regular diet of restaurant food is not good for your health. In order to achieve your New Year’s resolution, you need to know exactly what you are putting in your mouth. The Today Show‘s nutritionist, Joy Bauer, tells the New York Daily News there are many hidden fat traps that you don’t realize you are consuming when you go out to eat and that by being in control of your own meals, you’ll be more likely to make them healthy.
Get Quality Zzz’s
Don’t feel guilty about going to be early. After all, as you sleep, your body is busy making the necessary repairs for tomorrow’s workout routine. Plus, sleep is an integral part of becoming fit. As Good Housekeeping‘s “8 Get-Healthy Steps You Need to Take ASAP” states, “if you’re deprived of shut-eye, you increase your risk of high blood pressure and weight gain. That’s right. Weight gain.
Go With the Flow
Let’s face it. Not all days are created equal. Even Hercules endured less than stellar moments in his life. That’s why it is important to incorporate a Plan B–or C or D–into your workout regime. “5 Ways to Get Healthier in 2015” recommends having a workout to match your various moods. For example, if you’re angry, take out your frustrations on a punching bag. If you’re feeling laid back, take a cycle through the countryside. And for those sublime moments when you’re feeling all “sunshine and lollipops,” pump up the hip hop and move that body.
So, kick off those bunny slippers and grab your Skechers. You can stick to your resolution and become the superhero in your own life. Go get’em.
What New Year’s resolution did you make this year?
About Author: Kimberley Laws is a freelance writer, avid blogger, and owner of several pairs of animal slippers. You can follow her at The Embiggens Project, Pinterest, Facebook, and Google+.
