What is your fitness resolution for 2018? Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the start of a new year is the perfect time to review and renew your resolutions. While most people are concerned with losing weight after the holidays, there's more you can do to improve your fitness.
The key to a healthy and long life is to continue to improve your fitness level. Try some new things this year that will challenge you to enhance your athletic abilities. The ideas below will inspire you to make new year resolutions that will provide you with multiple health benefits and loads of fun! Start your year with new challenges, learn new skills, and enjoy the rewarding experiences of conquering your goals.
1. Try a new sport
If you want to learn a new skill, improve your fitness level, and have some fun in the process, a new sports activity might be the right thing for you. You can sign up for classes or join a sports club to learn a totally new sport to you. There's plenty to choose from too! You can try things like tennis, volleyball, basketball, or even karate and jiu-jitsu. It's up to you! Simply choose one that you think you'd enjoy the most, write on your resolution list, and join your new team this January.
2. Don't skip breakfast
First of all, don't skip breakfast. Second of all, if have already mastered this healthy habit and have your breakfast every morning: take it to the next level! Nothing builds muscle like protein does. So, turn your breakfasts into protein-packed feasts. Have a high-protein breakfast first thing in the morning and you will be able to feel fuller for longer, significantly reduce cravings, and promote muscle gains, while promoting fat-loss.
3. Strengthen your weakness
The only way to beat your weakness is to transform it into strength. If you're having a hard time bench pressing, maybe it's because your muscles are not strong enough, or maybe because you're not good enough at it due to lack of practice. Start focusing on your weakness or poor exercise by practicing with the proper form until you achieve impeccable technique. If you work on your fitness weakness, you will improve your body composition, performance, and body movement.
4. Rest harder
Surely, this year you're going to train harder for longer. But don't forget that your recovery plays a vital part in improving and maintaining your health. Learn how to spend your rest days to benefit from an active recovery. Make sure you don't overindulge yourself during your rest days and that you stay active. Do a few stretching exercise, ride your bike or play outside with your kids. Use your rest day to recharge your energy for the next training session.
5. Bring your friend to the gym
I know what you might be thinking: that a new friend can help you push yourself harder, keep you accountable, and make your workouts fun. That is so true! But switch it around a bit. Unless you are a beginner yourself, why not invite your friend to join you at the gym after the holidays? You can introduce them to a new routine, keep them accountable, help them achieve their fitness goal, and have fun together. It's time to think of what you can do for your friend, not only of what your friend can do for you.
6. Drink more water
Are you drinking enough water? If not, think about all the good things you're missing on just because you're not having enough of this natural, 0 calorie liquid. Drink more water this year! Start by carrying a water bottle with you at all times and take sips throughout the day. Take it up a notch and take water sips during your training as well. Many fitness enthusiasts don't sip enough water during training and spend their pauses in between sets looking at their phones. You should know better! Sip some water instead of checking your social media.
7. Enhance your planks
If you want to get better at your planks and strengthen your core, then you have to be more consistent. Improve your plank by increasing your hold up to 2 full minutes. You can achieve this by building it up. Start by aiming for a 30 seconds plank, and work your way up to a 60 seconds plank, then a 90 seconds plank, and eventually, you'll hit a full 120 seconds plank. It'll be rewarding and you'll benefit from a stronger core.
8. Train for a marathon
One of the most rewarding fitness experiences is completing a marathon. It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are running, as long as you simply run. Give yourself time to get better at it by being consistent. Set a realistic goal and start running towards it. You'll benefit from a confidence boost as well as an awesome cardio workout that promotes heart health and fat-loss.
Start your new year by setting yourself up for success. Plan your resolutions and start working on them with a positive attitude and total focus. You'll be able to reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle by improving your fitness and enhancing your well-being.
Conquering your resolutions is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s important to give yourself time and take baby steps towards your bigger goals. Perhaps, the top of your list should be to teach yourself how to take one thing at a time with patience. You’ll definitely conquer your resolutions in 2018!
