Meghan Ross is a personal trainer and group exercise manager at Anytime Fitness – Midvale. Contact her at mross@fmgworldwide.com for more information about personal training or her group fitness class schedule.
January 1st: This the year! This is the year I will fit into my skinny jeans. This is the year I run my first half marathon. This is the year I go to the gym every day….Uh rah, rah, rah! Go Team ME!
January 21st: Maybe I’ll just get new jeans. How about a 10K instead…the gym will still be there tomorrow.
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Maintaining the eagerness and excitement that comes with setting a goal is hard to do. Setting a goal is exhilarating! When we set goals, we open ourselves up to the possibility that we CAN do something that prior to that point never seemed possible. It is the moment we realize we want to achieve something greater. In that moment, a light switch goes on, but little by little, as time goes on, our bright and shiny goal can become dimmer and dimmer. Alas, there is not much we can do as our new year’s resolutions burn out, right? Luckily that is NOT the case. Here are some wonderful strategies for protecting your fitness goals this year! Make 2014 YOUR YEAR:
1) Tell everyone you know what you plan to do. The more people that know about your goal, the more support you have throughout the year, and the larger your audience is as you attempt your feat…it’s accountability at its finest and it’s why athletes thrive off of large, cheering crowds.
2) Write down your what’s and why’s! Goals, especially new year’s resolutions, tend to be long term achievements. Whether it is a PR or weight loss, in order to achieve your goal, you MUST have a plan of attack. Each day should come with at least ONE task that you complete to move you closer to accomplishing your goal. These are your “what’s.” WHAT will you do each day to move you forward? Include this on your calendar as if it were an appointment…in fact it very well may be your most important appointment that day!
Your WHY’S are your shield of sorts against decisions that may counteract your progress. If you write down WHY you want be healthier, WHY you want to tackle your bucket list race, or WHY you are working for best mile time, you will have a daily reminder as to WHY the hard work and dedication is worth it…WHY YOU ARE WORTH IT! Keep your why’s and what’s handy on an index card in your wallet or purse to glance at when you feel you are losing momentum or motivation.
3) Change things up! If you are solely a runner, try weight lifting. If you are an avid yogi, find a Pilates studio in the area to test drive. Our bodies respond to change in an amazing ways. Routine is great, but throwing in a new workout challenge once a week can really help you stay motivated, challenged, and keep your results coming!
4) Find an ACCOUNTABILIBUDDY or a few! Everyone has days that they don’t feel like going to the gym, eating healthy, or lacing up their running shoes and putting on multiple layers to brave the winter conditions. An accountabilibuddy is the person you call on to help you get over the temporary lack ofmotivation. This can be a workout buddy, a co-worker who helps you stay away from the sweet treats in the staff room, or a friend, significant other, or neighbor who asks you for updates on your journey. The key is in the “give and take.” Some days you will need to be there for them too! Personally some of my best friends are also my accountabilibuddies! Another great way to stay motivated is to fill your social media friends and followers with fellow fitness enthusiasts! Endorphins, motivation, and positive energy can go “viral” before you know it. Find or start on accountability group on facebook to keep yourmotivation going.
No matter what, remember that you made this goal for a reason. YOU are worth it.
