New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep
Another year, another New Year’s resolution—and another ambitious fitness regimen to begin and never finish. So many of us set fitness goals year after year, committing to lose fifteen pounds, spend seven days a week at the gym, or to train for a marathon, only to slide back into old habits by February. Often, big fitness goals like these are too much too fast, when we really need to focus on a New Year’s resolution that’s simple, specific, and achievable.
A new year is a great time for a new start. If you are looking for some New Year’s resolution ideas to jump start your fitness—goals that easily fit into your schedule while still challenging you—consider these achievable fitness goals.
1. Drink More Water
Drinking up to eight glasses of water per day has many health benefits: clearer skin, more energy, a boost in weight loss, reduced sugar cravings, hydration after exercise, and more. Get yourself a nice water bottle and keep it close, and set a goal to down eight glasses per day. If that number sounds high, start low and work up to it gradually.
2. Hold a Plank
The classic plank is a great way to get your core into shape—plus, it takes barely any time out of your day to work on. Practice holding a plank every day, starting with 30 seconds and moving up to 90 or even 120 seconds over time. If 30 seconds is too long, start on your knees and work from there.
3. Meditate Daily
Meditation increases your attention span, reduces anxiety, and boosts emotional and mental health. Letting go of stress and anxiety will help improve your physical health, too. Take just ten minutes a day to clear your mind and build a meditation practice into your life.
4. Try Something New
Is there a type of exercise you’ve always wanted to try? From yoga to swimming to weight lifting, there are any number of ways to get into shape. Sign up for a new fitness program or try out a class at Next Phase Studio—whatever you choose, set a New Year’s Resolution to try something new, even just once.
5. Hire a Personal Trainer
Sometimes you need a little help to meet—or even set—your fitness goals. A personal trainer can help you figure out where you can improve, help you get there, and hold you accountable. For your New Year’s resolution, try committing to signing up for personal training.
6. Sign Up for a Race
No need to commit to a marathon or anything, but putting a specific event on the calendar can help keep you moving into the new year. Sign up for a 5K or a 10K, ideally scheduled in the first half of the year, and challenge yourself to finish or hit a PR. Even if it is still cold outside when you make this New Year’s resolution, you can hit the gym for some strength and endurance training to help you prepare to show up on race day.
These fitness New Year’s resolution ideas are both challenging and manageable. Pick something small and simple, and something you’re passionate about, and you’re sure to follow through.
Ready to try something new and up your fitness game? Check out Next Phase Studio—we know you’ll love it.