Focused on Fitness for 2016

We are a month into the new year.  How are your goals holding up 30 day in?  I spent many New Year's resolutions saying that this year I will exercise more or I will eat better.  I even decided one year that I would begin a running regimen in January.  Well, it lasted until the first snow storm.  Using the Beachbody workouts and Shakeology have been the only program I've been able to stick with.  I think it's because we use a winning combination or exercise, nutrition, support and accountability.  Whether you are a Beachbody customer or not, here are some tips to help you stay focused on your health and fitness goals throughout the year!

1 - Post Them
If you can see your goals, you are more likely to achieve them!  If you are following a workout program, post your workouts for the month.  You could also use a calendar and cross off each day you complete a workout.  If you like sticky notes, post them on your computer, your refrigerator, your closet, etc.  Put them where you can see them and be reminded often of your goal!  Almost everyone has a smart phone.  If you set reminders in your phone, you see them more frequently!

2 - Share Them
When you know others are watching and looking to see if you stick to your plan, you are more likely to do it!  This is why having a coach is so important.  Sometimes it is that daily Facebook post that reminds you to workout or knowing that you have to post your workout of the day makes you get off the couch.  Your accountability partners will celebrate your achievements with you and help motivate you through the rough patches.

3 - Break Them Into Manageable Parts
If your overall goal for the year is to lose 40 pounds, that can be very intimidating!  If you break that down into 12 monthly goals, it means you only need to lose a little over 3 pounds per month.  That now sounds much more attainable than your 40 pound goal.  If you believe you can do it, you will be so much more likely to reach it!

4 - Reward Yourself
When you reach your small goals, allow yourself a reward.  Maybe it's a new workout outfit after the first month.  For your second month, you could get a new pair of sneakers.  Every time you lace up, you will think about why you bought them and what you accomplished.  We all love those extrinsic motivations, even if we think we don't need them!  It's okay to bribe yourself a bit, if it means that you will be healthier in the end.

5 - Revisit Your Goals Often
It is important to look at your goals to make sure they are still going to work for you.  You might decide to change your workout program or that your schedule doesn't allow for a workout at that time of day.  If you update them, you will keep your goals relevant and applicable to your real life!

If you need help getting started, setting your goals or working to reach them, let me know!  I'd love to help you on your health and fitness journey!