I still believe in goals, big ones even. But my advice is to break them down into small, sustainable goals. That goes for anything, but today I’m talking about fitness. Rather than make the resolution to “Get fit in 2017” set a specific goal like, “I’m doing strength training Monday-Tuesday-Thursday.”
I set a similar goal a while back and it’s been one of the most wonderful additions to my life. I love the happy glow of post-workout endorphins. For me, the hard part was sticking to my goal after realizing how long my journey would be. For example, when I started I couldn’t hold plank position. In moments like these, be gentle on yourself. Otherwise, you’re more likely to think, “I can’t do it, so I won’t do it.” Instead I told myself, “This is where I’m starting. I’m gonna keep going and see if I can get incrementally better at this.”
I did. Here are a few more things I’ve learned along the way:
· Making fitness a part of your life is not about motivation, because motivation is fleeting.
· Consistency, especially in the beginning, is more important. That’s how habits are formed.
· Try different activities, you might be surprised which ones you enjoy.
· Seek out trainers that are a good fit for you (e.g. body-positive, encouraging vs. intimidating)
· Your workout should be challenging, not excruciating.
· Cute workout clothes are a fun way to kick off a new fitness goal.
· Always bring water.
· Listen to your body. It’s good to push boundaries, but do so safely.
· If life happens, don’t sweat missed workouts. Just start again when you can.
I love Planet Fitness for its judgement-free attitude and welcoming environment, which is especially important to anyone starting out. I’m so happy to share their new membership sale: new members can join now through January 11 for $1. It’s $10/month thereafter, no commitment. You can find your local club here, many are open 24-7.
If you’re starting a fitness journey, I would love for us to stay in touch so I can support what you’re doing and keep the discussion going in this or future active/wellness posts. Happy New Year!
In collaboration with Planet Fitness
Photos by Jessica Castro
Natalia Lialina says
What a timely post for me. You look great, Jay! My whole family joined our local gym recently, just after Thanksgiving, and I find that your advice about sticking to the routine is very similar to my husband’s attitude. I am the one who always wants to do everything at once, and then I get burned in about 2 weeks or so. So I am learning to pace myself and stick to the schedule (not aggressive one, and also don’t beat myself up if I miss it) and get into the habit first, everything else (progress, results) are secondary at the beginning. Happy New Year!
Jay says
Happy New Year, Natalia! That sounds like a much better approach! Another drawback of doing too much is risking injury, which takes you out of the game, at least for a while, altogether. Before, I’d exercise very infrequently and thought I needed to go much harder to make up for it. But it’s much smarter to do a manageable amount which I can sustain as part of my normal life. I think consistency is more important than what is achieved in any one particular workout! x
Natalia Lialina says
I agree, Jay! Changing our habits and consistency as a result of it – I remember that was my approach in my early 20s, and it worked for me back then. It’s a bit harder to change habits in my 40s, but it’s worth it.