Seven Tips to Fulfill Your Fitness Goals This Year
“Get in shape” is always a popular resolution for the new year.
We all want to eat better and to get to the gym, and mostly we do… for the first few days, then life kicks in. We start back to school, to work, and suddenly we have no time! But what if there was a way to stay focused and to not sweep a resolution under the rug? The bad news is you may have lost time in reaching your fitness goal. The good news is, you have nine months to redeem yourself and to make up for lost time! These seven tips will help you keep your eye on the prize and reach your 2016 fitness goals!
Use your time wisely.
Personally, I am the queen of procrastination. I will do anything to put off homework or hitting the gym. I know how difficult it is to get in the workout you need, but don’t necessarily want. I know there are many things you feel you need to do like studying or cleaning, but trust me, a quick workout will give you a new burst of energy and you will likely become ten times more productive. (For elevated productivity, play good music and put down your cell phone.)
Map out your week on Sundays.
Sundays are the best for catching up, resting, and planning ahead. If you are like me and usually stuck on the couch watching movies, try making the most of your time by writing your schedule for the week. Include the gym in your daily routine, so as you go through the day you will have it programmed in your head and you will be more likely to go.
Eat and drink healthy.
What goes in your body is important when it comes to working out and being productive. If you eat a Big Mac, chances are you will not want to go to the gym. By being aware of eating habits throughout the day, you can feel great and be motivated instead of tired and bloated. Apples and bananas are good pre-workout snacks and a piece of whole wheat toast is a great source of carbs. Grilled chicken and salmon are a perfect post-workout meal. Pair the lean protein with grilled or steamed veggies and you are good to go. Don’t forget to drink lots and lots of water!
Find your tribe.
Assemble a group of friends or join a group fitness class at The Rec! Find people who will motivate you and hold you accountable. Ultimately, it comes down to you, but being surrounded by an uplifting group can be great if you are having trouble following through.
Start slowly.
It can be overwhelming to walk into a gym with no knowledge of the machines and without a workout plan. Just breathe and be confident. Do workouts that are comfortable to you. Don’t compare your routine to someone else’s workout. Everyone is different. It's okay to start at a slower pace and gradually add more weight to your bar, laps to your run, or reps to your set.
Do a quick workout at home if you can’t make it to the gym.
Everyone knows those days, the ones where you feel overwhelmed with a million things to get done. There is just not enough time in the day, right? WRONG! Yes, we all have busy days, and yes, you can’t always get to the gym. Things happen, but you can still achieve major gains in your dorm or living room. Ab workouts and squats are super flexible exercises that can be done anywhere, and if done diligently, will show results.
Stay optimistic.
Even if you slack off, you can still make progress. It's all about attitude. Keep an optimistic outlook on your goals and abilities and you can do anything. Don’t doubt yourself. You never know what you can do until you try, so get out of your comfort zone and push yourself!
With these seven tips in mind, you are guaranteed a healthier and happier 2016!
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Henry G.
Editor In Chief
Working for BeWell is a perfect fit for Hannah as she is able to combine two of her favorite things—people and writing—and call it work! Hannah enjoys listening to Coldplay, thrift shopping, laughing, and sneaking free chocolate at marketing events! Her favorite ways to work off the stolen treats are running on the track and all things cardio at The Rec.
A definite night owl (and by no means a morning person unless coffee is involved), you will rarely find Hannah at Campus Recreation before noon. Hannah plans to pursue a career in magazine journalism. Look for her some day at Vogue, Glamour, or Cosmopolitan.
