How Are Those New Year's Resolutions Going?

By Raquel "Rocky" Herron, BS, NASM-CPT

It's month two of your New Year's fitness plan and you're staying on track, eating healthy, and your motivation is high, right? If you answered no, and I'm willing to bet that some of you did, then you're not alone. Motivation is this magical, unseen force that only highly dedicated fitness enthusiasts possess, or at least, that's what some people think. The truth is motivation, like many things in our lives, really comes down to making choices. Today, I will make the choice to pick healthy foods over less healthy foods. Today I will choose to hit the gym after work, if only for 20 minutes. Today I will take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Unfortunately, these choices are often easier said than done. What can help you stay motivated? What can spark the desire to reach your fitness goals again? It might be easier than you think. 

Grab a buddy!  How many times have we heard that having a workout partner promotes adherence to exercise? Why does this help, you're wondering? When you have a workout partner, they're counting on you and you on them. It creates an accountability that working out solo might not produce. If I know that my workout buddy is counting on me to get her through heavy dead lifts, I'm more likely to show up because I don't want to let her down. Workout partners are built- in cheerleaders! They push you to get one more rep or last just thirty seconds longer. They provide a source of encouragement and praise, plus you'll have someone to complain about being sore with! So, if the solo route is feeling lonely, grab a friend, and if you're in the mood for many workout partners, head to class!

 

Group exercise can be intimidating to those who have never taken a class, but they can be a great source of fun and camaraderie, not to mention, a great workout (hint, try one of my classes!). Breaking away from your usual treadmill and weights routine and trying a fitness class will definitely break up the monotony that may be hurting your motivation. Fitness classes will challenge you in a new way because it's something different! I know that some people think that group fitness is not challenging enough or that they're "not in shape enough," but I beg to differ! We have classes to fit everyone's needs and they will provide a fun, safe workout that will help you get your focus back. Plus, group fitness provides a sense of community. We talk and encourage one another, not to mention laugh...a lot! Still need another tip? Two words; fitness swag!

I know it sounds silly, but sometimes rewarding ourselves with great new fitness swag helps with motivation. I hate to think of material things in such a way, but the truth is that sometimes a new pair of running shoes or a new fitness gadget perks us up and gets us back on the fitness bandwagon. There is no reason why we can't celebrate a five-pound weight loss with a new Pearce hoodie! You've been working out and sweating for weeks, why not reward yourself, especially if it's a tool that'll help you continue your fitness efforts.

While motivation is often lost, there are ways to find it again. Celebrate the victories, even if you perceive them to be small. Don't let the "all or nothing" mentality play with your head. Some weeks won't allow for many gym trips and others will. Sometimes life gets in the way and fitness takes a back seat, but that's OK, just get back on track. Grab a friend and head to class with your new kicks on! Remember, you don't have to workout...you get to workout!