Well, well. January is coming and whether you like it or not the inevitable, New Year, New Me trend will be hitting every press release, filling up social media pages and bombarding websites from the get go. You can't avoid it. Whilst there is nothing wrong with it, there is always a danger of unrealistic expectation and that causes people to fall off to the fitness wagon very early on. So how can we try to avoid this?
Make a plan
Easiest option is create a plan for you to follow and to stick to. Whether you are new to fitness or merely reigniting your passion for it, giving yourself a schedule to keep up with will always help. It means you are less likely to dither about what you're going to be doing that day. For example, you're hungry and you go to look in the fridge for inspiration? You'll either stumble upon indecisiveness or you'll eat something that you shouldn't. Planning helps you skip dithering and ultimately putting off exercising altogether!
Set a goal
Personally I find this really helps me focus. I would pop a list together of the things you want to achieve. What is your goal? I'm actually against making weight a target because everyone's body is different, some will lose weight faster than others sometimes weight might fluctuate. I do think setting a 'fitness' related goal is better. For example be able to do 15 full press ups by April if you haven't even done one before. That sort of thing is great for beginners, but then the same applies for those wanting to do more. Perhaps you could set your goal for doing a race of some sort, a 5k? a 10k? Have a think and set yourself a nice goal!
Get a buddy!
Training with someone can really help to keep you motivated. If one of you isn't feeling particularly energetic the other could encourage you both to still exercise. The only downfall with this is that you both can't be bothered to do any exercise so completely skip it! A lot of people find group exercise handy to keep you motivated, you'll also meet new people too.
Vary it
As Albert Einstein said, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. You just do the same aerobics class every week? Maybe you just go running? Whatever it is you need variety. If you're new and a little nervous about doing too much too soon, add in as a goal for you to try some new activity once a month. You could pick a completely random group fitness session, or maybe go swimming or even try climbing. Your body needs variety. That is why I tend to be doing so much stuff because it keeps me entertained and my muscles guessing!
Jumper // R Essential Grey Sweatshirt* Leggings // R Essential Sports Leggings* Top // R Essential Pink Vest Top Round Neckline* Hat // F&F Clothing Pom Hat Bag // Hey Holla! Fit Kit Gym Bag Trainers // Adidas Ultraboost Running Trainers* Headphones // Nixon Black Headphones
Get the gear
This isn't exactly a huge reason to not fall off the wagon, but I'll be first to admit that if I feel comfortable and I like what I exercise in I feel better. I love to express myself with my gym gear and whatever I train in. You don't have to break the bank either. In the photos above I'm simply wearing some La Redoute Essential gym items. If you're new and not sure if you're going to like something I'd hunt for your basics, then as a treat for sticking at it invest a bit more into some new kit. There is a saying in the cycling world of, all the gear no idea, perhaps take it steady first on how much you spend then go from there.
Be realistic
Biggest faux pas is going too big too fast and falling face first off the wagon! Trust me, a few years ago that is all I did. I'd basically do back to back fitness classes after big bike rides, I'd then be absolutely shattered and then couldn't train or I'd injure myself from doing too much. Start small and build.
Don't wait
Why wait until 2017 to begin? Start now! I can bet you any money that on my various quiet cycles or runs, I will see lots of people out exercising and many more than normal come January. Often seen in flashy new kit and fancy fitness tech, come March or even earlier, those people may not be out exercising again. Starting on a specific date or planning to start on a specific date spells out disaster to me, you're making it out to be a huge thing and really it honestly isn't. Instead of waiting, don't think just do. You could even just go out for a brisk walk or take the dog out to chuck a ball (borrow someones if you don't have one!). Just introduce it all gradually today and you'll be riding that fitness wagon all through 2017 with me!
If you do struggle or have any questions please let me know, I'm currently doing my Personal Training qualification so it's handy for me too!