’Tis the season that everyone is winding down from the holidays and thinking about how to get that perfect beach body for this coming summer. Here are some ways to start and stick with your New Year fitness resolutions:
Write down your measurable goal
When you write down your goal, you are making your decision more definite. Make sure it is measureable. Don’t simply say you want to lose weight. Specify how much weight or fat you want to lose and by when.
What lead goals will lead you to your ultimate goal?
It’s easy to say you want to lose 15 pounds in three months, but if you have no direction, then you may be shooting yourself in the foot. An example of a lead goal is: I will lose 5 pounds in four weeks by eating healthier and having a structured routine. You can have multiple lead goals. The trick is to be more specific than the example.
Find some guidance
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find a personal trainer, or ask a friend. The advantage of asking a professional is he or she can prescribe you the best program for you and will keep you accountable to your goals.
What motivates you?
Write a list of things that excite you — maybe places you will visit with your improved physique, food you want to reward yourself with, clothes you want to wear, etc. Keep these things close to you so you can look at them daily. If you have a hard time staying focused and motivated, really consider finding a trainer to keep you accountable.
Get started!
Here are some exercises you can start with:
- Mountain climbers: three sets of 20
- Plank: three sets of 30 seconds
- Dead bugs: three sets of 10
- Squats: three sets of 15 using your body weight
- Lunges: three sets of 10
- Woodchopper: three sets of 10
- Lat pulldown: three sets of 12
- Bridges: three sets of 20 n