Why your new year fitness resolution could be short lived

Probably, the busiest time of the year for a gym could be the beginning of the year. Many of us have good health and a fitter body as one of the top resolutions for the new year and we start with a bang. However, we realize that this turns out to be quite short lived. So what goes wrong really? What are the top mistakes we make and how can we avoid them?

1. Set medium- long term goals: If one doesn't have a medium to long term horizon for achieving a health goal, one is bound to fail. A new year is an opportunity to make a fresh beginning but to sustain, one needs to look at a period of at least 6 months and above to make some visible difference. Remember, you took a long time to accumulate those extra kilos, so you should also give yourself time to lose them.
2. Target an event/special occasion: One of the effective motivators for me personally has been to link my health goal to an event or an occasion, say your next vacation or a family event or gathering or a marriage etc. Potentially, you could be meeting new people or old friends after a long time. Imagine the compliments you would receive once you show a visible change in your health or imagine the new wardrobe you are able to buy and wear those body hugging clothes if you reduce that waistline.
3. Set a comfortable routine: Set and stick to a comfortable routine or join a gym closer home, even if its with basic facilities, such that you are able to follow your fitness regime with ease. Distance should not create an unnecessary barrier and disallow you to hit the gym. This is one of the common reasons why we aren't able to continue.
4. Start slow and practice being consistent: Don't plan for a workout routine where you begin lifting weights from day one or run those miles which you cannot sustain and also let boredom sink in. Remember, the easiest part is to get started and the most difficult part is to hang in there. So start slow, let your body get used to a minimal workout, practice consistency, let your memory build in. Once this happens, your routine becomes your habit.

So here's wishing everyone a healthy 2018 and stay fit!