Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, finish a race, or just be healthier, fitness probably plays a role in your new year’s resolution. A recent study found that only 8% of people actually keep their resolutions. 8%! In order to avoid being a part of the 92% of the population who lose their motivation around mid-February, don’t wait until January 1 to write out your plan – start now!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see affiliate disclosure.

 

1. Define a Realistic Goal.

Instead of saying, “I will work out more,” say, “I will work out __ times a week.” Then schedule your workouts on your calendar.

• Write out your goal where you can see it every day. Put a sign on your fridge, set reminders on your cell phone, or keep a sticky note on your bathroom mirror.
• Download my free goal planning worksheet included with my 6-page health and fitness bundle to get started planning and defining your goals!

Commit to a level of activity that works for you!

• If you’re not a morning person, don’t commit to those 6:00 AM workout session.
• You don’t have to run on the treadmill! Dancing, hiking, swimming, and even gardening or mowing the lawn are all forms of physical activity.

Set goals you’re more likely to follow, take a step back and set more reasonable goals. This will avoid failures and giving up altogether.

2. Choose Activities that Interest You & Get Connected.

Find something you enjoy! If you are dreading your workout, you are less likely to stick with it. Some people love to run on the treadmill, others enjoy trying new fitness classes or hiking in nature. If you like trying new fitness classes, some studios and gyms offer free class trials, so use those to your advantage!

• If you’re getting bored with the treadmill, mix up your routine with these 3 interval treadmill workouts!
• If you don’t have the financial means to join a gym or fitness programs in their area, you still have plenty of options! Even if you don’t have any exercise equipment at home, you can certainly find an activity you enjoy either inside or outside – at home yoga videos, no-equipment workouts, or walking around a local park

Create a support system. Accountability is crucial when working to maintain a fitness goal. Join a support group, fitness class, or just schedule time to meet a friend to workout. If you’re looking for a new class to try, start asking around for recommendations now! You may be surprised who will join in on the fun.

3. Be Mindful of Your Nutrition.

Almost as important as WHAT you eat is WHY you eat.

• Are you truly hungry? Or are you eating out of stress or boredom? Staying in control of why you eat will help identify unnecessary eating and decrease excess calories consumed.
• Keeping a log of what and why you eat will help you monitor and become more attuned to your hunger signals. Use my free printable to track and reflect on what and why you eat each day.

Did you know that Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides can help with your pre and post-workout fuel? Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in your body that can be found in connective muscle tissue. It provides your tendons and ligaments with a sort of flexible form of strength.

• Joint health: While weight-bearing exercise can improve bone mass, it can also break down your cartilage and joints over time without proper cross-training and recovery. That’s why it’s important to rest, stretch, maintain good mobility, and consume a balanced diet.
• Weight loss: Consuming enough protein is essential to losing weight or maintaining a currently healthy weight. Protein is generally lower in calories, gives you energy, and won’t leave you reaching for seconds. Next time you meal prep, add in some Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides to your favorite smoothie, baked goods, or marinade!
• Workout recovery: Continuing to consume enough protein on your rest days also helps to build new muscle. That muscle also increases your metabolism. Your muscles begin to rebuild, inflammation subsides, and you replenish energy for your next workout.
  • Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are an easy solution to get in your recommended daily amount of protein. Plus, this form of protein comes unflavored, which can help if you can’t choke down some chalky-tasting whey powders. AND it dissolves easily in coffee with no weird flavor or clumps 🙂
  • If you like a little bit of flavor, check out some of the flavored collagen peptides: Mixed Berry, Dark Chocolate + Blackberry, and Vanilla + Coconut Water. Each flavor is Paleo friendly, Whole30 Approved, gluten-free, and dairy-free with no sugar added.

4. Measure Your Progress.

Nothing is more motivating than seeing progress!

• Whether you write down your accomplishments in a notebook or use a fancy tracker or online program, seeing visual evidence of your improvement will inspire you to keep going on your health and fitness journey, or even set more challenging goals.
• The Daily Greatness Training Jounal is on my Christmas list. So many pretty graphics and quotes for extra inspiration and motivation! (use this link for an extra discount!)

Download my health and fitness planner bundle for free HERE.

• Set goals, track measurements, plan your weekly meals and workouts, and keep a daily log with this 6-page printable.

Take your new resolution seriously and do it right! Pick attainable goals and start creating a fitness plan now that will set you up for success.

 

Do you have a New Year’s resolution? What is it and what are your action steps to achieve it?

 

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items I have personally tried, loved, and or would share with my best friends. Thanks for supporting Fit and Fulfilled!