There’s No Rear View Mirror Here!

goal [gohl] noun  1.the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

So, it’s January and you’ve made it your goal to both join a gym and start working out, or to re-commit yourself to working out. Did you know fifty-percent of people who join a gym in January quit within six months?

You may wonder how you can stay committed to your fitness goal, whether it be committing to gym workouts, finally completing P90X, running that marathon you’ve always wanted to, or beginning the practice of yoga. Below are some suggestions for never looking back once you’ve set new goals.

1. Set attainable goals. If you’re a novice at a regular fitness routine, don’t aim to run a marathon this year, rather, try something that you can easily accomplish, such as a 5k, first.
2. Partner up. The hardest step in working out is getting out the door. Studies show that a gym partner helps to keep you on track. Take a friend or spouse to the gym with you; even if you don’t do the same work out, you are motivation for each other. One of my goals this year is to do a Mud Run. Fate stepped in by way of a Groupon for a local mud run and I asked a friend to do it with me. I will cross that goal off my list come April!
3. Try at least one new class. Until two years ago, I was not a big fan of group fitness classes because I preferred to do my own workout. On a whim, I decided to take a Les Mills BodyPump class offered at my gym. I now consistently go to BodyPump classes on a weekly basis. I’ve since discovered BodyAttack, BodyCombat and Zumba. I went from zero group fitness classes to four! In the process, I’ve become stronger, feel more powerful and best of all, I have made some wonderful friends. In fact, I met one of my best friends through a group fitness class.
4. Support groups. I was a competitive runner in my younger years but gradually distanced myself from the sport that I once loved. I’ve missed it and resolved to start again after several failed attempts. My gym advertised a running club towards the end of year, which caught my eye.  As I read more about it and the club’s philosophy, I knew I wanted to try it out. I’ve since met some new people and a group of us are now training for a 5k in this spring. The club provides support via weekly emails to keep us on track and we meet twice a week to run together. Having a set time to meet helps to hold me accountable for attending the group runs.
5. Hire a Personal Trainer. Trainers can be expensive but they have a wealth of knowledge about nutrition, how our bodies work and how to get your body lean and strong.  They are worth, at minimum, the free complimentary sessions you (usually) get when you join a gym. Ask questions and soak up their knowledge. I spent six months with a trainer last year and gained valuable insight into how my body best responded to working out. My trainer also set cardio challenges at the end of each session with him, which I recorded and use to this day. It makes the end of my workouts fun and I enjoy challenging my spouse or workout partner to one.
6. Reward Yourself. I’ve saved the best for last. For each goal you attain, reward yourself. Perhaps stepping into a gym or attending a certain number of classes is your first goal. Maybe it’s completing a 5K, half-marathon or triathlon. Reward yourself with something you’ve wanted – maybe it’s new athletic gear or something as simple as a manicure.

Always discuss your goals with your doctor to make sure you are cleared to embark on your new fitness path. Happy trails!