New Year, New You!
As we say goodbye to 2018, we look ahead to what 2019 might bring us. What are you reflecting on from last year?D How well did you take care of YOURSELF, your health, your well-being? If you think you could of done more then you probably could have done more. Read my tips on how to attack 2019 in health and fitness and make it your BEST YEAR YET.
How can you become healthier?
Being healthy is a broad term. There is no “one” way to be healthy BUT there is a way for you to be healthier. For example, if you eat out everyday for lunch, try bringing your lunch instead. Or perhaps you don’t care for vegetables. Start incorporating them week by week. Try something new at the grocery store you don’t normally eat (ideally produce). Make your food instead of buying it pre-made. Eat out once a week. Exercise 4-5 times a week. Eat more vegetables and less processed foods. Taking the steps to change your lifestyle will keep you living a healthy life.
How can you stick to your New Years resolutions?
New Years Resolutions is always a great time for people to start fresh with their fitness goals. However, the rate of failure can be high if you don’t set your goals appropriately. There are a few things you’ll need to do when setting goals:
1) Make short term AND long term goals. The short term will keep you moving forward to each small goal while the long term will give you a long term plan. When you stick to something for a long time the likelihood of it working is higher.
2) Do something you actually enjoy! When I hear people making all these resolutions of taking out things they enjoy I know they won’t stick to it. Why would you deprive yourself of something that makes you happy? There are ways to become healthier without taking out the things you love. For example, if you like to drink wine. Drinking wine every night may not be the healthiest so try finding the healthiest wine (red has less sugar) and aim to only drink 1 glass on Friday or Saturday evening with a healthy dinner. This will curb your craving but keep you sane and on track!
3) Have a good support system. Many times households can be the culprit of good health or bad. It takes a team to live healthy for the long run. If your family isn’t on board chances are your resolutions won’t stick. Make a plan with your family to do it together. Even something as small as night time yoga before bed (kids included) can be a great step!
What kind of goals should people set at
different fitness levels?
If you’re new to the gym or if you’ve been away for a while, take it slow. No need to jump back in at 110% because the likelihood of it sticking is small. Start SLOW. If you’re just coming back, aim for 2-3 times a week. Set small goals. Work on some basic bodyweight exercises with little weight and work your way up.
If you’ve bee a regular to the gym but feel like you’ve hit a wall, then use the New Years to set some new and fun goals. Why not switch it up?! Try a class you’ve never done. Do you cycle? If not, try it! How about swimming? Or perhaps a boot camp? Getting involved in fitness classes you don’t normally do is a GREAT way to challenge your body and meet like minded fitness buddies!
Start off 2019 with a positive approach and your health in mind and you’ll be sure to have a great start!
In good health,
Cristina