The New Year is well under way and whether you have been flawlessly executing your 2016 plan to be more physically active or have fallen off the wagon, now is the perfect time to check-in on those resolutions and make adjustments! For the gym-goer, things are getting back to normal traffic levels – no need to wait 20 minutes for a treadmill. For those working out at home or in the neighbourhood, the weather SHOULD start turning in your favour!
As with any strategy – business or personal – it is important to follow the S – M – A – R – T goal-setting approach that you have likely heard about a few times before. But, other than setting your S – M – A – R – T strategy, how else can you maintain your plan for a healthier you? Here are a few tips & tricks for everyone.
- Use your calendar
You may have read my earlier blog on making workouts non-negotiable appointments and it is the perfect time of the year to put this strategy in place. Placing your workouts into your Outlook or Google calendar enables you to set reminders (a few if you’re anything like me), while also helping you plan in where physical activity could fit into each day. Scheduling in a morning workout on Monday and a post-lunch walk with a colleague on Wednesday will help keep your plans top of mind and allow you to shuffle appointments around as your schedule evolves.
- Diversity
Getting started and staying engaged can become difficult as time passes so be sure to mix it up. Try a group class at your gym or pick a new walking or running route to keep yourself interested. This may also bring the added benefit of working different muscle groups to keep your mind and muscles “on their toes”.
- Write things down
Setting goals is important and writing things down can help you track whether you are making progress. Pick-up a cheap notebook to track your activities and log everything you do. This approach is helpful in measuring progress each week and helps you reference back to a previous activity to see if you can achieve a new personal best.
- Never skip 2 workouts in a row
This may seem like an odd tip but creating this rule for yourself can provide some great benefits. Your body will need a break and calendars can get busy, but if you make it a goal to never miss two consecutive workouts you can avoid falling into that dreaded slump. Remember, we are all human and it may happen – but when it does, jump back aboard and keep going!
- Ask for help
If you are new to getting active or planning to take it to the next level, ask for help when you need it and remember that even the best athletes have done it at some point. Don’t shy from asking your uber-active colleague for a few pointers or purchasing a couple personal training sessions at your local gym to kick things off.
- Get a workout buddy
Getting a workout buddy can sometimes be a difficult task because of busy schedules, preferred activities, and the mere fact that you will be committing to spending a few hours a week with this person. Having someone to workout with will help keep you accountable during those days when you may fall off track and it will make that fitness class or stroll with a colleague fly by!
No matter what level of physical activity you have planned for 2016, try incorporating some of these tips and tricks and hopefully you can maintain staying active year-round!
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