10 Tips to Keep your Fitness New Year Resolution on Track

Featured Image

by Randy Leopando
Chances are at some time in your life you’ve made a New Year’s resolution — and then broken it. This year, stop the cycle of resolving to make change and then not following through. If your resolution is to take better care of yourself and get healthy, you will have a much better year if your resolution sticks. Here are 10 tips to help you get started.
 1. Be Realistic
The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to NEVER eat your favorite food again is setting you up to fail. Instead, strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding it more often than you do now.
 2. Plan Ahead
Don’t make your resolution on New Year’s Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31 arrives.
 3. Outline Your Plan
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have that piece of cake. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your “bad” will affect your goal.
4. Make a “Pros” and “Cons” List
It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time, and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.
 5. Talk About It
Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best-case scenario is to find a buddy who shares your New Year’s resolution and motivate each other.
 6. Reward Yourself
This doesn’t mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to eat a better diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution. If you have been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, reward yourself with new fitness clothing or by going to a movie with a friend.
 7. Track Your Progress
Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, focus on losing the first five. Keep a food journal to help you stay on track, and reward yourself for each five pounds lost.
 8. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take one day at a time.
9. Stick to It
Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. It won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient!
10. Keep Trying
If you have totally run out of steam when it comes to keeping your resolution by mid-February, don’t despair. Start over again! Recommit yourself for 24 hours. You can do anything for 24 hours. The 24-hour increments will soon build on each other and, before you know it, you will be back on track.

You might also enjoy

NF_HorizontalLogo- Nutriformance, St. Louis, MO

FREE 7-Day Trial Membership!

Call 314-432-6103 or fill out the form to get started.

St. louis' best gym & Personal Trainers

Don’t take our word for it, check out what our members have to say!

Brock Telfer
Brock Telfer
May 10, 2021.
This is my new favorite gym, it’s exactly what I was looking for! I would highly recommend Los to anyone, the atmosphere is so motivating!
Weldon Bush
Weldon Bush
April 9, 2021.
I have been at Strongside for close to two months. I have never been in a workout environment that feels so supportive and encouraging. I highly recommend Nutriformance for everyone who is looking for a place to belong.
Vickie Sabin
Vickie Sabin
March 18, 2021.
This is the best lifters gym I've ever been to. There is an almost overwhelming amount of equipment on the upper level.
Warren Hogsett
Warren Hogsett
September 18, 2020.
I like the variety of exercises and intensities, but my favorite part is the technology that allows me to hold myself accountable for my effort and performance.
Joseph Acevedo
Joseph Acevedo
August 17, 2020.
Great local gym. Lots of weights and machines, friendly staff, and not too crowded.
Kate Gebken
Kate Gebken
August 14, 2020.
I am so happy I know this place is here now! I booked a massage with Alexis, I had been in need of one desperately from working at home in the wrong chair for the past few months. She was so kind and intuitive and really knew the exact areas to address. I feel like a new person now, one of the best massages I have ever had! I didn't know they offer pilates here as well and the studio is gorgeous. The atmosphere was great and very clean. I will definitely be back soon!
Mackenzie Hendrickson
Mackenzie Hendrickson
July 24, 2020.
I couldn’t recommend Alexis (massage therapist) enough. She is kind, professional and knowledgeable every time I see her. She makes me feel comfortable and is mindful of aches and spots on my body that might need more or less attention. I feel so relaxed every time I leave and never want the massages to end. She’s great and I highly recommend her!
brian jones
brian jones
July 16, 2020.
The reopening protocols that Nutriformance have implemented are identical to those we are currently using in the professional sports world and my confidence is such that I am completely comfortable bringing my 8- year old son in on a weekly basis to continue his training. The awareness of the staff and their sensitivity to our current health situation are of the utmost priority, based on my observations over the last couple of weeks. If you are an athlete looking to gain a competitive edge over your opponents, a young athlete trying to refine your basic athletic qualities or an adult just looking to stay healthy - I would make Nutriformance my first call. Brian Jones Goalkeeping Coach Saint Louis FC USL Championship
lisa bernstein
lisa bernstein
July 15, 2020.
Clean and professional. Could not ask for better trainers, Pilates instructors, and staff. Great massages !