As the New Year approaches it is the top time for creating fitness goals. There can be so much pressure to create a "new you" for the new year which can be overwhelming. But this can also be the motivation to start something new or reflect on your workout routine so far. No goal is too small! Creating small successes and focusing on creating new habits may be beneficial for change. In this post, I'll describe some anecdotal tips from personal experience that have helped with creating new habits/fitness goals.
PS. We have loads of free workouts with different levels to get you started for the new year, try one or two out :)
The Tips
1) Create a Plan
Initially, my goal was to create the habit of walking every day. So to get there I made a plan! Printed out a calendar for each month and wrote down how long I wanted to walk and at what time. If that time or length didn't work, I would try to adapt, and either work out at a different time or for a different length. Creating a plan can help you keep yourself accountable and set a habit for future workouts! It doesn't even have to be a full workout at that time. It could be you putting on activewear when you'd like to exercise. Small steps will help to set the stage!
2) Making Exercise Fun
Starting to workout is often really tough and easy to dread. Making workouts that are interesting/fun can help with the dread! I began to dread walking and found it boring. To fix this, I started following along to Pilates videos which were fun and a good way to get moving. Exercise does not have to be going to the gym, movement is the most important part. Another fun way to exercise is to dance! Set an alarm and put on your favourite songs and get moving!
3) Focus on the End
During the workout, it can become tempting to stop when you're tired. Or even before working out, it can be hard to start your workout. Focusing on how good you'll feel and the gains you'll achieve after can be motivating to start/continue on!
4) Make It Accessible
Making a workout easy to start can also help with motivation to exercise. There is a concept in Social Psychology called 'channel factors'. These are factors in situations that influence behaviours. Channel factors cause passive responses to be easier than active responses. So, making exercise a passive response in the situation is the goal. Some ways to make exercise passive is to set your activewear out where it is visible, clear time in your schedule so there isn't anything else planned, keep your yoga mat out or keep the area clean/clear to start a workout.
We'd love to hear your methods of starting to exercise, let us know in the comments below!
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