Three Easy Ways to Commit to Your Fitness Goals Year Round

New Year’s resolutions rarely stand the test of time. 

One recent survey found that only 28% of Britons kept all of their 2022 resolutions, and 17% didn’t keep any of them. While you don’t need to wait for a new year to commit to fitness (or anything else), it’s a good time to start with a clean slate and to keep track of your progress. Even if you missed out on an official New Year’s resolution, it’s still a perfect time to set a few personal health goals — and learn how to commit to them year-round. Fitness isn’t a fad or a trend. It’s something you do to take care of yourself forever. 

With that in mind, let’s cover three tips you can use to stay committed to your fitness goals and to live a more active lifestyle. 

1. Find the Right Routine

There’s a reason why gyms across the country are packed for the first few weeks of January, and membership starts to dwindle afterwards. 

Many people who make fitness resolutions think they need to run on the treadmill or lift weights each day. 

They box themselves into certain stereotypes that aren’t right for them and end up quitting. 

If you want to stick with a fitness routine, it’s essential to find physical activities you enjoy doing. For some, that might include running and lifting weights. For others, it could be more unique activities like: 

• Swimming;
• Yoga;
• Dancing;
• Cycling;
• Playing a sport.

Some people also make the mistake of thinking they have to exercise for at least an hour each day to see results. 

In reality, just 30 minutes of brisk walking each day can benefit your physical and mental well-being. If you walk outside, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of more energy and a better mood, thanks to the natural “boost” nature provides. 

2. Set Realistic Goals

If you want to stay committed to your fitness goals, make sure they’re achievable. 

If you set a goal to work out for two hours a day or lose twenty pounds in a month, you’re probably not going to stick with it. Instead, consider setting SMART goals as you work on bolstering your fitness routine. SMART stands for: 

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Time-Bound

If you can set fitness goals with those parameters, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by them. 

Additionally, don’t be afraid to start small. For example, if your goal is to run a mile without stopping, start by running for a minute without stopping for a week straight. 

The next week, increase your time and continue adding more consistent running until you’ve reached your goal. 

By setting (and achieving) small goals, you’ll boost your motivation to eventually reach larger ones. Each small step you accomplish will give you the push you need to keep going, and you’ll be excited to keep working since you’re seeing positive results. 

3. Don’t Do It Alone

Even if you have the best of intentions, you’re seeing results from your regular workouts, and you want to stay as committed as possible to your routine, you’re only human. 

Some days, sleeping in or sitting on the couch with a bag of crisps is going to be more appealing than going to the gym, playing a sport, or even walking around the neighbourhood. One of the best ways to ensure you stick to your routine and stay committed is to have an accountability partner. Working out with a friend is much more fun than doing it on your own. 

Plus, they can hold you accountable on days when your motivation is low. 

Having someone to walk or jog with can make the time go by quickly. Signing up for a team can offer you a whole support group of individuals to hold you accountable and motivate you to do your best. Even when you’re discouraged or you’re not reaching your goals the way you want to, having at least one person in your corner to bolster you and help you keep going will make a big difference. 

Exercising regularly and committing to a fitness routine is a great way to foster a healthy lifestyle. 

On the other hand, not being active can cause serious health problems now and in the future. A sedentary lifestyle puts you at a greater risk of developing spider veins from a lack of mobility and weight gain. You’ll also be more at risk for everything from heart disease and diabetes to mobility issues from weak muscles and bones. You don’t need to wait for a new year to roll around to commit to certain fitness goals. 

Once you make regular exercise a part of your daily routine, you’ll form healthy habits that will last a lifetime. 

You might also be interested in these articles on how online PTs and small group PTs can help you with staying committed to your fitness goals.