You always go in with the best intentions for your fitness, yet something falls short, doesn't it? Sometimes the fault lies in creating goals that are so long-term it's hard to see changes. To fuel our motivation, we need small wins along the way to keep us moving forward. Instead of focusing on long-term ideas, the best way to get unstuck is by looking to the short-term.
These fitness goals will help you get to where you're going in a more realistic and fulfilling way.
1) Find a workout friend/ take a group class.
Whether it's a coworker who enjoys walking during lunch, your spouse, a roommate, or a neighbor, find someone else who wants to set fitness goals that align with yours. Work together to be accountable and motivate one another. Having someone to exercise with that you enjoy having around makes you look forward to these activities, and you'll be far more likely to stick to your routine when you enjoy it and find it fun.
2) Choose to walk more.
If you aren't much of a gym person, you can skip it if you get 10,000 steps daily. However, you shouldn't be tallying up every step so much as aiming to walk more daily. Instead of driving, walk to wherever you need to go. In some areas, that's not possible, so drive there and park further from the entrance. Make more trips up and down the stairs when cleaning your house. Every step makes you more active and aligns you with those goals.
3) Work in something calming too.
Not every workout needs to be HIIT. Rest days are essential for muscle recovery and development. On the days that you take a break from heavy exercise, try something that is calming. Yoga is an excellent option since you're getting movement while bringing the mind into it for overall wellness.
4) Try a new workout each month to mix it up.
Making a routine out of fitness is undoubtedly important. However, it gets boring if you do the same thing each time. Your body also gets used to these movements and milestones, becoming less effective and challenging. The key is always to raise the bar so you'll keep moving forward. Doing so will also keep you from being bored and skipping out on your fitness goals..
5) Fuel your hydration.
Most people don't get the right amount of water they need for good health. Make it your mission to start drinking more of it. If this is something you struggle to stay on top of, a great idea is to put your bottle of water on top of your smartphone. Every time you reach for your phone, you'll have to grab the water and remind yourself to drink it.
6) Put sleep on your planner.
Another thing most people don't associate with fitness is sleep, but it is one of the cornerstones of wellness. You can eat right, drink enough water, exercise, and work on your stress management, but you're doing a disservice to your hard work without good sleep. Set a steady bedtime and stick to it, and try to get up at the same time each day. In a few weeks, you'll see the benefits of sleeping for fitness.
The key to realistic fitness goals is to focus on what you can achieve. These simple steps are easy to work into your plan even if you're starting and can go a long way toward helping you stick it out in the name of good health.
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