It’s easy to make a fitness resolution on New Year’s Eve; the challenge lies in putting it into practice and sticking with it for the long term. Here are some tips to turn those fitness goals into a reality—not just on New Year’s Day, but throughout 2022.

Make sure this resolution is important to you

It’s rare that a fitness target is just about getting in shape. Whether it’s about bringing more structure to your life, improving your mental health, getting better sleep, feeling a sense of achievement after completing a race, or any other reason, your new year fitness motivations must be personal to you.

Once you find this reason, use it as an anchor whenever you’re feeling non-committal, and if it’s a strong enough reason, it’ll bring you back on track. It’s certainly a great start. 

Be specific about what you want to accomplish—and set a deadline

Sometimes when we make a fitness resolution, we’re tempted to leave it vague and open-ended to leave ourselves some wriggle room. The truth is, you’re far more likely to stick to your goal if you make it as specific as possible. Determine exactly what you’re going to do and when you’re going to achieve it. Deadlines are necessary if you’re serious about making your fitness resolution stick.

Celebrate yourself

Remember why you made your New Years’ resolutions in the first place, and celebrate your successes along the way. We know that fitness resolutions are hard. Cut yourself some slack and focus on the progress you’re making, no matter how inconsequential it seems.

Do what you can to make it fun!

When it comes to making long-term change, fun is fundamental. It’s hard to consistently force yourself to do something you hate. So, if you hate running, try cycling instead. Pick up a sport you used to play as a kid. Listen to your favourite music or podcast at the gym. Do everything you can to make your physical activity enjoyable, because that’s the only way you’re going to want to keep doing it.

Don’t be too hard on yourself.

While doing your very best to stay committed will ensure the best results, if you do hit a stumbling block, it’s okay. It’s vital to remember that you are doing this for no one else apart from yourself and that you can always push on from where you left off, or even start again if you feel that’s what your body needs.

If you do start to feel you’re waning, take one day at a time and focus on the positives you have experienced so far from your training.

Also while it isn’t faltering per se, if you pick up an injury during your training, just do the exercises that are still possible, and if even this isn’t possible, just start your plan again when you have recovered and are ready. It doesn’t need to be new years for you to restart your fitness plan!

We hope that these tips will help you start the year in the best way.

A de Coco wishes you a happy New Year! 🥂