The alarm goes off, you hit the snooze button as you slide your feet off the bed and onto the floor. As you walk into your bathroom, you pause for a moment and decide to do something a little different today. Behind the door, tucked away you decide to pull out the ever-dreaded scale.
The Truth of It
After debating with yourself the pros and cons of stepping onto the scale, you decide to just do it. 3…2…1…the moment of truth is here. The number that appears isn’t exactly what you had hoped for but also not as bad as you thought it would be. You sigh, slightly brush off the disappoint and decide working out just made it to the top of your New Year’s Resolution List.
Sound Familiar? For many, setting a New Year Fitness Resolution is usually decided well in advance of the actual of New Year. So, why do we push it off until then? What good does it do us to put off our workouts until the New Year or any other future date?
By reserving our resolutions to begin in the future rather than making an immediate change, we’re only cheating ourselves. Sure, adding a workout to your schedule or even keeping up with your current routine can be challenging during the Holiday Season, but if there is a will there is a way and we have a couple of tips to help you
5 Ways How to Jump Start Your New Year Fitness Resolution Today:
1. Stop Making Excuses
Didn’t get up in time for the gym or can’t seem to find the time today? No biggie. Park a little further back than usual or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Try to add in a few cardio exercises when you have a free moment such as; jumping jacks, burpees or mountain climbers. Even if you only have five minutes to spare, adding a few simple changes to your day will still get your heart rate up and help you make progress towards your goals!
2. Remember to Take Time for Yourself
The Holiday Season might be the busiest time of year for you, but that doesn’t mean your personal health and well-being is any less important. The holidays are jam packed with to-do lists, parties, and events. Stress levels are sure to sky-rocket. Stress is strenuous on the mind, body and soul and a great way to relieve stress is to sweat it out. [tweet this] Try to give yourself an hour a day just for you, you’ll feel more relaxed and find the season more enjoyable.
3. Give a Little, Take a Little
‘Tis the season of giving. Why not give yourself a little extra motivation while giving back to a charity you support by creating a fundraising mission? Create your mission, set a fundraising goal and get your friends and family to cheer you on. With your loved ones supporting you, you’ll be able to meet your goal in no time. Talk about a win, win!
4. Moderation is Your Friend
Temptation lurks in the shadows of every function you attend. Delicious smells and decadent desserts are too easy to succumb to. How will you ever survive? Go ahead, indulge…a little. You’ve heard it before, “Everything is okay in moderation.” And it’s true. Don’t deprive yourself if something catches your eye, just take a smaller portion. It’ll help satisfy the craving and you won’t feel isolated from the rest of the group making it easier to stay focused through the rest of the season.
5. Find Strength in Numbers
98% of the population will make a New Year fitness resolution. Okay, we made that up. But the point is there is someone you know who will want to add fitness to their lifestyle in the New Year. Why not recruit them now to be your “workout buddy”? You’re less likely to skip your workout sessions when you know someone else is counting on you to be there. Even add in some friendly competition by creating a group mission or group fundraising mission. You’ll find instant motivation with your mutual friends, family members and co-workers encouraging your success!