Another year is ending and we open our arms to welcome a new one. It’s also the time for new year’s resolutions and an influx of new memberships at the gym. January is notably the busiest month of the year for most fitness centers as the “resolutioners” start their, often short-lived, fitness programs. If fitness is one of your new years resolutions, read these tips on how to stick to them.

Be Realistic With Your Goals

 
Sure everyone would like to look like a Victoria Secret model but how many of us actually have the genes or time to achieve it. Also, if you are 50 lbs overweight, don’t set a goal of losing 40 lbs in a month. Setting unrealistic goals will only lead to disappointment, discouragement and most likely ultimately quitting when the goal isn’t realized.

Instead, set realistic and achievable mini milestone goals. Instead of stating you would like to run a marathon, start by setting a goal for running 1 mile nonstop. Then once you have achieved this goal, set another goal for running 2 miles nonstop, etc. These small victories will keep you motivated longer.

Choose Activities You Enjoy

 
Are your friends all going to spin class? Perhaps a coworker is big into Zumba. Maybe your sister is an avid runner and invites you to running clinics? It’s good to try various activities if you haven’t just so you can see what interests you. Then once you find those activities that do, stick to those. If you force yourself to do activities you don’t find enjoyable, guess what, you won’t be doing them for long. Soon enough you will be making all sorts of excuses not to.

Find a Workout Buddy

 
The buddy system is great given a few factors. If you have a friend or relative who has the same goals and level of motivation it’s a better fit. If your buddy lives near you and has a similar schedule then your likelihood of success increases. If either of you have to travel far to workout then the less likely it will happen. Also, if one of you has an extremely busy schedule then it’s less likely to work as well.

Make Fitness a Priority

 
When you make your to do list schedule your fitness in first and stick to it. If fitness constantly gets pushed down the list then most likely you either won’t get to it or when you do, you’ll be too exhausted. Prioritize fitness first for best results

Reward Yourself for Accomplishments

 
After you reach your fitness milestones you bet you deserve a reward. Plan your rewards so they get progressively larger as you reach bigger goals. Perhaps you are eyeing some new runners or maybe you are in dire need of a pedicure. Maybe a massage it more up your alley.