Fitness Goals

It's easy to say that you would like to lose weight or get into better shape, but what are you actually doing to keep these fitness goals? Most of these goals seem to come after the holidays when the New Year comes around. Why wait to make this a resolution? You can start now, at any time, by simply taking the first step and making your fitness goals. What better time to make and keep your fitness goals than through the holiday season. Think of it as a gift to yourself, your body and your health will thank you.

Realistic

The first thing that you want to do when you are making your fitness goals is to be realistic, just be honest with yourself. If you are currently a couch potato it's not very realistic to state that you will run a marathon. Now, this may be your ultimate goal, but start smaller than that. Make goals that are attainable in a short period of time. For example, make a goal that you will exercise for 4 days per week for a month and stick to it. This way you can see yourself reaching these goals and that makes for encouragement to do more.

Journal

Studies show that people are most successful with a diet plan when they journal their food and thoughts. This can help you keep your fitness goals as well. If you can put pen to paper about what your goals are that can make you want to achieve it more. I would recommend writing in this fitness journal daily. You can write down your exercises (what you did, how long you worked out, how many calories burned) and how you felt about this. Even on your non-exercise days you can write how you feel, for example you may find yourself missing it and actually want to work out. You can empower yourself from your own thoughts.

Find a buddy

Another good way for encouragement is to find a friend to exercise with. When you enlist a friend to help you keep your fitness goals then accountability is a big factor. Not only do you have to answer to yourself, but you have a friend for encouragement and motivation. Resolving to be healthy is usually a goal of most people, so finding a friend willing to undergo this with you should not be a problem.

Affirmations

Positive affirmations can be a big help when making and keeping fitness goals. It's hard to stay encouraged sometimes, but know that what you are doing is best for your health and your body. Every little bit helps and is that much closer to getting you to your goals. On the flip side, do not be discouraged by minor setbacks. They will happen, just move on.

Just do it

The number one way to keep those fitness goals is to just do it. Maybe you are supposed to walk everyday for 1 mile, but you did not have time. That's okay, that ten minute walk is great! Get out there and just do it.

Making and keeping fitness goals can be a reality with some effort. Not saying that it will be easy because change is never easy, but with persistence these can be attainable. Remember; do not put it off, start now. If you can make it through the holidays with your new plan in place, you will definitely be on the road to success.