How to Follow Your Fitness/Running Plan This Year (And Stick to It!)
Thinking about making your New Year's resolutions fitness or running-based ones? This is a common goal, one that can be the catalyst for incredible changes in mindset, routine, and of course, your physical health. However, as many of us know, actually achieving these goals in the way we imagine on December 31st can be a challenge as the year goes on.
Why does it often feel so tough to keep up with long-term plans for running, going to the gym, or other fitness goals? To be honest, it’s not because you lack discipline or motivation. Ultimately, the reason comes down to an extremely common struggle of balancing the mindset of goal-setting with the realities of putting those plans into motion.
In this quick guide, we’re sharing a few tips to help you rethink the way you look to your fitness future, and hopefully, help you create sustainable, achievable goals that challenge you without making you feel discouraged.
1. Choose Goals Wisely
The number one reason that any goal doesn’t become reality is that it wasn’t the best goal to begin with. It’s good to be ambitious, however if you want to actually stay on track with your goals, it’s vital to choose them wisely!
One common way to think about goal-setting is with the S.M.A.R.T. method. That means making your goals:
Specific: The clearer your goal, the easier it will be to work towards it.
Measurable: Whether it’s kilometres run or weights lifted, find a way to track your progress.
Attainable: Make sure the big picture of your goal is something you can feasibly achieve, even if it’s challenging.
Relevant: Keep goals related to your interests, passions, and lifestyle.
Time-bound: Having a timeframe for your goal can help you continue to make steady progress towards it.
Whether you use the S.M.A.R.T. method or prefer to set more freeform goals, the principles from this framework are a good place to start when creating goals you actually want to achieve.
2. Don’t Do It Alone
Fitness is all about consistency and perseverance, and these traits don’t always come easily to us when no one is watching. But if you know you have a running buddy who will be waiting for you, you’ll find it that much easier to get up and follow through. Plus, you’ll have the knowledge that you’re providing that same sense of accountability to your friend. How’s that for a win-win?
3. Celebrate the Small Stuff
A common reason that we lose steam on fitness goals is that we only allow ourselves to celebrate the most important wins. Let’s say your goal is to work your way up to being able to run 10 kilometres without stopping, and you can currently run for 2 kilometres before needing a rest. If you wait all the way until that successful 10-kilometre run to actually acknowledge and celebrate your progress, there’s a good chance you’ll get discouraged well before.
Try this instead: give yourself a pat on the back (either literally or figuratively speaking) for every little milestone you hit, whether it’s adding another kilometre to your personal best or simply getting to the gym according to your schedule for the week.
4. Mix Things Up
Fitness can be very repetitive by nature. If you find yourself getting burnt out from doing the same fitness activities every single time, finding new ways to mix up your approach can be a great way to respark your motivation. If you’re working on getting more consistent with running, why not sub out one of your weekly runs for a game of soccer, a solid hike, or some brisk frisbee in the park? The more variation you include, the easier it will be to keep up with your general fitness goals. Plus, who knows? You might even find something you just love doing.
5. Take Time to Notice Improvements
You probably know the benefits of incorporating more fitness into your usual routine, but when you’re in the midst of things, it can be hard to really notice them appearing in your life.
From time to time, stop and look at how your life has changed since you got more consistent with your fitness goals. Are you sleeping better? Is your focus and memory a little sharper? Does your body feel better? Do you end the day feeling a little more proud about what you accomplished? These are important changes, and they’re worth noticing, reflecting on, and celebrating.
6. Stay on Track with Experts
You’re capable of achieving so much on your own, but there are also great benefits to getting a little support with your fitness goals. When you work with knowledgeable experts like a physiotherapist and a kinesiologist, you’ll not only get access to personalized tips and guidance along the way, but you’ll also be able to quickly and proactively address injuries, strains, or any concerns you may have. This helps keep you on track with your goals, even in those moments where it might feel difficult to continue.
If you’re looking for a little help creating, working on, and achieving your fitness goals in the year to come, the team at Triumph Physio & Wellness is in your corner. Whatever you want to achieve, whatever your current ability, we’ll help you create tailormade goals, custom fitness plans, and ongoing support based on your specific needs. We’ll also help you get through the harder days, overcome injuries, and ensure your body gets the rest, nourishment, and recovery it needs to propel you to your goals.
Ready to hit the ground running next year? Contact us today!
Disclaimer: This BLOG content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The creators of this BLOG are not liable for any actions or decisions taken by individuals based on the information presented herein. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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