How can I stick to my New Year's fitness resolutions?
We all know about the usual new year resolutions such as eat better, stop smoking/drinking and doing more exercise, but how long do you stick to the resolutions you make? What happens if you hit an unexpected blip, like an injury? The good news is, with a little planning, you can get help sticking to your resolutions. If you're thinking about what you're going to change to help your fitness, let's have a look at how you can give yourself a fighting chance.
Plans aren't always bad...
You've probably heard the saying 'a goal without a plan is nothing but a wish', and when it comes to new year's fitness resolutions, nothing can be more accurate! Write a list of your goals and a detailed plan of how you'll achieve each step. While you might have some bumps in the road, you're far more likely to carry on with the good work if you've got a plan to refer to.
Pre-Resolution checks.
Before you start any new fitness regime invest in some osteopathy treatment to help curtail any existing muscle and joint pain. Osteopaths can assess your joints and muscles work and will give you helpful advice for your fitness resolutions. They'll also be able to show you some techniques to use and avoid that suit your body.
See an Osteopath!
It's no secret that us osteopaths are experts in detecting, treating and preventing health problems through moving, stretching and manipulation techniques. If your exercise regime has taken a backseat due to an injury, osteopathy can help you heal faster, getting you back to it sooner. There's nothing better than having an expert to talk to for support and encouragement – and a trip to the osteopaths could be just what you need to set you on your way to success!
Get Support.
Accountability is a great way to keep you on track with your goals. As well as your osteopath's support, tell your friends and family what you are up to and ask them to keep nudging you gently to achieve your goals. They will love seeing you succeed!
One at a time...
Be kind to yourself and set yourself up for success by focusing on one resolution at a time. Have a key goal that you stay 100% focussed on and remember, bad days are just blips. They are perfectly normal. Go easy on yourself and gently remind yourself to get back on track!
Assess your goals.
Hopefully part of your planning process was to set smaller goals to help you achieve your resolution. Take some time every week to assess how you're meeting them and If you're not, spend a few minutes working out what you can change to help you meet your goals faster.
Plan in rest days.
Hopefully part of your planning process was to set smaller goals to help you achieve your resolution. Take some time every week to assess how you're meeting them and If you're not, spend a few minutes working out what you can change to help you meet your goals faster.
Be Patient!
Patience is a virtue, and a new fitness regime can take around 6-10 weeks to really see the benefits of. Don't allow yourself to be disheartened and lead you to giving up. Ask your friends and family to help motivate you or find a buddy to encourage you to keep at it. Your goals are achievable if you put in a little effort.
If you're looking for support whilst working towards your own resolutions, why not give us a call and let us help banish those aches and pains and keep you firmly on track!