Have Your (Fitness) Resolution & Stick to it, Too!

You’ve made your New Year’s Resolution(s), or rather New Year’s Goal(s), if you’re like me! You have written them out. They have been etched in stone (okay, maybe just written on a sheet of paper or stored in your mind). Regardless of what they are, how they were formed, or where they are kept, you have likely made one that included the words, “fitness, health, and in-2011 I will….”

So this year, rather than just writing it out and saying you’ll stick with it, how about having your (fitness) resolution and sticking to it, too?

Here are my top 3 ways to stick with that New Year’s resolution:

1. The Tortoise Wins the Race. Your fitness New Year’s Resolution is not a “fad diet.” Don’t treat it as one. Don’t tell yourself you’ll lose 10 pounds in January. Think long-term; think success. Success comes from daily habits that are formed. Do a little each day and before you know it, your fitness success will show its beautiful face. Be realistic. If you can only get in 30 minutes of movement, then by all means move for those 30 minutes. Slowly and surely; the tortoise wins the race.

2. Find Your “Community.” Having someone who will keep you accountable, online or offline, is key! They will be the fuel to your fire; the “yes” when you want to say “no.” Perhaps this is your mom, sister, husband, wife, brother, or best friend. Maybe you exchange weekly notes with them or texts saying, “What have you done today?!” Or quite possibly you would rather just leave this one in the hands of your online friends! There are plenty of people with all different fitness levels and interests over at FitStudio on Facebook or via Twitter. Make them work for you!

3. If It Works for You, It Works for You. Look, not everything works for everyone. Just because I love doing strength training and putting myself through half marathons from time-to-time doesn’t mean that should be your New Year’s resolution. And just because your friends all go to the gym for Zumba, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Listen to your body. What is it telling you is “fun?” Whatever that activity may be is what will keep you moving each and every single day. And this is key!

Sticking with your New Year’s resolution is more than just about “getting it done.” It’s about creating realistic habits that will only grow stronger over time. If you truly created a New Year’s resolution, then you have announced that you’re attempting to “solve a problem.” Problem solving is strategic, not fad. Take this with you for the long haul, and reap the benefits you are looking to gain!

What are your New Year’s resolutions? and how are you making sure to stick with them?

Main Photo Credit Jason Scragz

Sarah Kay Hoffman is a FitStudio sponsored writer