This time every year there is a national, newfound interest in getting fit and healthy. Any why not? New year, new you, as the saying goes. But to be honest, January is probably the hardest month of all to start hitting the gym; the days are short, the weather’s cold, and let’s face it, people are hardly at their cheeriest during these post Christmas weeks...
As such, we thought we’d share a few tips and tricks to keep you motivated, at least until February, as by then, your fitness regime should be well on its way to becoming a habit.
1. Plan your workout
Before undertaking any sort of fitness regime, it is hugely important to be clear about your goals, and to set them out in a plain and concise manner.
Perhaps write daily or weekly goals on a calendar, and cross them off as and when you achieve them. This allows you to stay focused, and know that you’re on the right track to accomplish your ultimate target.
2. Don’t expect huge results immediately
Health and fitness is a way of life. You can’t expect to look like Hercules after one month, but that’s no reason to quit. You’ve even less chance of looking like a Greek god sat on the couch, munching your way through a family-size packet of crisps.
3. Set small achievable goals
There’s no point setting yourself an unachievable workout plan, or even a plan that is achievable but will ultimately burn you out. This will only demotivate you. Instead, set yourself realistic goals, and if you do exceed them, all the better. Small progress is still progress.
4. Record your results
So you haven’t got a six-pack after three weeks? That doesn’t mean you haven’t achieved anything, but without having recorded your initial statistics it’s often difficult to know what you have achieved.
Whatever your goal is, whether it's reducing your body fat percentage, losing a certain number of pounds, or increasing the girth of your biceps, record the initial figure of this value and then measure it again weekly, bi-weekly or even monthly. If you’ve been training properly, then there will be a change, and this progress will inspire you to keep going.
5. Take photos to record your progress
Instagram might be inundated with the ol’ #GymSelfie, but it can definitely serve a positive purpose. Take a photo of yourself before you begin your workout regime, and though it might feel better at the time, make sure you’re not breathing in. Whatsoever.
This way, after a month at the gym, you’ll have a visual representation of your progress, and if you are brave enough to post it socially, too, other people’s comments can be extremely motivating.
6. Focus on one thing at once
Change takes time and effort. Just because there’s a 5 instead of a 4 at the end of the date now, doesn’t mean everything miraculously changes, so if you’ve planned to give up alcohol, cigarettes, lose weight, get fit, get a promotion, find love, and who knows what else, it’s going to be hard.
Concentrate on one or two things at a time, and once they’ve become habit, start focusing on the others. It’s far better to achieve just the one goal, than fail at them all.
7. Use a gym partner
By training with someone else, you can pick each other up when the other one isn’t feeling it. You’re less likely to bail out on a gym session, too, if it means standing your partner up. Plus, the gym can be an incredibly social experience, and is definitely a healthier option than meeting up for a pint!
8. Invest in new and inspiring gym wear
Perhaps the most important point on this list, but then again, there is a slim chance that we’re somewhat biased. In all seriousness though, the prospect of turning up to the gym in ultra comfortable sportswear, that also happens to look amazing, is only ever going to encourage you.
9. Wait for the crowds to die down
In accordance to what is year in, year out, the most popular New Year’s resolution, gyms across the country have been absolutely seething these last few weeks. And unless this article suddenly goes viral, that’s all about to change.
By mid February the natural gym equilibrium should have been restored, as people begin to neglect the annual membership they so passionately took out at the beginning of January. So if the crowds and queues have put you off at all, just be patient.
10. Reward yourself
If the ultimate prize of a healthier, fitter, and more attractive you isn’t a strong enough incentive, try rewarding yourself with more material prizes. If you lose a certain amount of weight in a month, or achieve a particular body fat percentage, treat yourself! And may we suggest the Be An Athlete Premium Hoodie as an excellent place with which to start?
How’s your fitness journey been so far this year? Are you loving it? Are you thinking of quitting (hopefully not after reading this article)? Either way, drop us a line in the comment box below, and why not check our guides on what to do before and after your workout to achieve that new body even quicker!
Great Post!! I think I need to get stuck to these mentioned points. I have started using XtremeNo muscle building supplements. Thanks for sharing.
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