Looking back on 2019, don’t be too hard on yourself if you weren’t as conscious of your calories as you promised you would be, or if you ended up not going to the gym as often as you said you would. Achieving and sustaining fitness objectives is no easy walk in the park, after all. If being healthier and fitter are among your goals for 2020, then it’s time to lace up and prepare for the year ahead.
Here are four tips on how you can do just that:
#1. Set realistic milestones
Many fitness resolutions fall apart because they’re either vague or unachievable. It’s not enough to just say you’ll lose weight or you’ll go to the gym more often. Instead, set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) goals that you are more likely to follow through on.
For example, set a weekly target for how many times you’ll go to the gym or how many fitness classes you’ll attend. Monthly, you can target a percentage of fat to lose or an average distance to run in an hour. Keep things simple: too-lofty goals will leave you frustrated or injured. Realistic milestones will keep the satisfaction levels – and therefore the motivation – high.
Go for a gym that offers a wide range of fitness classes, and choose the ones that you actually enjoy. When you’re having fun, exercise becomes something you look forward to.
#2. Take it slow
While we’re on the topic of setting goals, don’t go for intensive routines right off the bat. It’s important to give your body time to adjust to working out, especially if exercise is not something you do regularly. Remember: long-term fitness comes from incrementally rebuilding your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones after each workout.
Taking it easy at the start will keep you away from injuries and make you more likely to succeed. Then, as your body becomes stronger, you can gradually increase the intensity and frequency of your workouts.
#3. Bring a friend
Many people find themselves anxious and unable to enjoy — or benefit from — their time at the gym. Having a workout partner will help you beat anxiety and have more fun as you both get fit.
For best results, choose someone with goals similar to yours. You can compare your routines and check each other’s progress. Your partner can also motivate you to push on when you feel frustrated, and vice versa. Working out becomes much more than a fitness exercise, it becomes a time to bond with a friend.
#4. Eat healthily
Exercise is crucial to fitness, but you need to support it with a proper diet. The kind and quantity of food you eat and the amount of water you drink will not only affect how much body fat you lose but also how strong and healthy you become.
Each person has a unique set of dietary preferences, nutritional needs, and perhaps food intolerances. Talk with a nutritionist who can help you design a balanced diet that provides the carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and micronutrients vital to your physical health and your fitness goals.
Get the support you need
The right gym can provide everything you need to achieve and sustain your 2020 fitness objectives. The Club4Fitness $35 Premium Plus Membership offers:
- 24-hour access to all our clubs and fitness floors, so you can get the kind of workout your body needs at any time
- Access to all our group and virtual classes, so you can choose the one that delivers the most fun and the best results
- Entry into our exclusive Club360, where one of our nationally certified trainers will personally guide and support you in every step of your fitness journey
Get everything you need to be fitter and healthier this new year. Sign up today!