Reasonable fitness resolutions for the New Year
A few minutes every morning is all you need.
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Here we are again in the time of making and trying not to break New Year’s resolutions. For many people, those resolutions relate to fitness and getting in shape in the new year ahead. While it’s easy to set lofty health and fitness goals, it is all too easy to fall short of those goals quickly and throw in the towel before we’ve even gotten started. One way to avoid this pitfall is to strive for reasonable fitness resolutions for the new year – nothing too extreme or so radical that our already-ingrained habits make them unattainable.
To make fitness resolutions for the new year, keep in mind things that are within reach of your current lifestyle. Goals are things that we want to attain – things that we don’t already have – so it’s understandable to reach high for what you envision your fitness routine will be. It’s important, however, to be realistic and consider what you can actually see yourself working on and improving. If you need some inspiration to get you started, here are some ideas for reasonable fitness resolutions for the new year.
Drink more water
Our bodies are about 60% water, so staying hydrated and drinking water regularly is essential for staying healthy. If weight loss is a part of your fitness plan, then it might interest you to know that drinking water throughout the day has been linked to improved weight loss results (since people can confuse thirst for hunger). Most people should aim for 4-6 cups of water a day, so an easy way to hit this goal is to keep a large (think 32 oz.) water bottle with you all day. You’ll be drinking more water in no time!
Take a walk every day
Walking has benefits for both physical and mental health, and it’s an activity that most people can do. This activity can work well with your daily routine by simply walking somewhere that you might normally drive to or turning a work meeting into a walking meeting. If you enjoy audiobooks, podcasts or music, grab some headphones and use this time to get healthier and listen to something fun.
Spend some time stretching
Stretching will improve your flexibility and posture, help you prevent injuries and can even increase your body’s flow of nutrients which will in turn reduce soreness. Like many physical activities, it also comes with mental health benefits like helping to calm your mind and release tension. Taking a short break from work is the perfect time to spend 5 minutes stretching during your workday.
Get enough sleep
In order for your exercise routine to benefit your mind and body, it must be accompanied by a sufficient amount of sleep. During this time, your body recovers, conserves energy and builds up the muscles you work on during exercise. Beyond fitness, sleeping a proper amount will also benefit your mind. When you get 7-8 hours of sleep, your attention and concentration will improve.
Make time to workout
When fitness is a part of your vision for the new year, one of the most crucial steps you can take is to make the time for exercise. One of the biggest obstacles keeping people from their fitness goals is not having enough time. Treat your workouts like any other meeting or must-do activity and add them to your schedule. If you have your workout already on your schedule, you’re more likely to keep your “date” and stick to your fitness plan. Like anything you really want or need to do – when it comes to working out you must make the time in your routine.
Try something new
A fun way to increase your fitness in the new year is to try something new. This is a resolution that won’t be hard to keep because there are so many different options. Trying something new that will help keep you fit is a goal with nearly unlimited options. You can take a lesson to learn a new sport or play with a friend, check out a workout class that you’ve never attended or visit a new outdoor destination for a hike. Plus, switching things up will keep you from getting bored and can help you avoid an exercise plateau.
By making reasonable fitness resolutions for the new year, you have a better chance of hitting your goals, feeling good and getting into better shape. Small changes toward a healthier you will add up over time – before you know it, you will notice an upgrade in the way you feel.
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