As the new year approaches, most people are considering resolutions. One of the most common things people think about concerning resolutions is their physical fitness and workout routines. However, while many people will resolve to start working out or increase their overall fitness, most people fail to maintain their resolutions pretty early on. Here are some tips to help you set achievable fitness goals for next year that you can stick with for the whole year.
Design a Consistent Schedule
One of the most helpful things you can do is set a consistent and reasonable schedule. Habits can be tricky to form, but if you choose a specific day and time, it’s easier to remember. However, ensure you select a schedule you can work with. If you know you will struggle to get up earlier in the morning to work out, start working out after work or in the evenings. Similarly, if you aren’t already in the habit of working out, don’t try to hit the gym for an hour every day right off the bat. You can start with something as simple as a 30-minute walk three days a week if that feels more achievable.
Invest in Home Equipment
If you aren’t comfortable with going to the gym and working out in a public space, invest in some simple home equipment. A few dumbbells, kettlebells, a yoga mat, and some resistance bands will open many possibilities for at-home workouts. There are tons of online video resources for beginners so that you can get started in the privacy of your own home.
Try Strength Training
Many people focus on cardio through running, sports, or other activities, but strength training is crucial to improve performance. If you aren’t already working on building strength, choose a couple of days a week to focus on building muscle and strengthening your body intentionally. Especially if your performance has plateaued recently, strength training can help push you to new heights.
Focus on One Challenging Goal
Consider selecting one significant goal to work towards for the year. That could be a new deadlift record you want to strive for or running a 10k. Too many goals can be overwhelming, so having one achievable goal to look forward to can be a great motivator.
Find a Partner
Finally, one of the best things you can do is find a workout partner to maintain accountability. Even if you don’t go to the gym together, having someone who knows your schedule and can check in with you to ensure you’re sticking with it can help motivate you on the days you’re tempted to skip. Additionally, it’s fun to have a friend to celebrate progress with!
Keep these strategies in mind while planning your fitness goals for 2023!