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Writer's pictureJW Fitness

5 Tips for the New Year: Start and Maintain Your Fitness Journey

How many years have you said it now?


'This year will be my year to lose weight and get fit.'


Still, for some reason, that goal eludes you.


Don’t worry it is not just you.


This is a very common problem as people set goals and massively overestimate what they are able to add in to their life.


Couple that with an all or nothing attitude and you start January off with:


  • 5 gym sessions per week

  • no alcohol

  • no chocolate

  • no Carbs

  • no bread


Only to find that by the beginning of February you are eating and drinking more than you did in November and you haven’t been to the gym for 10 days.


So what can you do differently this year to ensure that you stick to what you say you will stick to. Here are 5 tips from JW Fitness:


Tip 1: Be realistic


Set yourself realistic targets and changes. Stick to them for 2 weeks before trying to change anything else. The goal is to make the changes a part of your life long term so slow down and don’t try rushing. If you embed new habits one at a time every 2 weeks that will be 24 habits over the year. Better than trying everything at once and ending the year with no positive changes.


Tip 2: Look to add to your life rather than taking away


As soon as someone thinks about losing weight they automatically start discussing all the foods and drinks they are going to cut out. Most of the time these include their favourite foods.


Switch it on its head and think about what you can include more of that will support your goals and healthy habits. For example:


  • ensure you drink enough water

  • swap out processed snacks for fruit

  • add more vegetables at lunch and dinner

  • add protein at each meal



Tip 3: Get help and support


Rather than try and go it alone you can seek help to keep you on track. This may come from a friend, a Personal Trainer, a slimming group or an online nutrition support group. Training help from those who can keep you accountable can be a huge help in achieving your goals long term and staying on track.



Tip 4: Pick what you enjoy


Often you will hear and read that X or Y exercise is best to help you lose weight. However, there really is no 'best exercise', certainly not if you hate it and quit within a month. Choose an activity that you enjoy, you can stick to long term and that fits in your life 3-4 times per week.



Tip 5: Understand your why


Understand why you have a particular goal and why it is important to you.


If a goal isn’t important enough or you don’t understand why you are doing it, it is unlikely that you will be willing to disrupt your current life to embed new healthy habits. So you may stick to what you have set in the first two weeks but then find yourself giving up as you can’t fit it all in and/or it is too overwhelming for you.


Know what you want, why you want it and then ensure you are willing to make the changes to your lifestyle to achieve it.


If you are not willing to make the necessary changes that is fine, however you will need to change your goals or forever be frustrated.


At JW Fitness, we offer a 30 Day Shape Program every three months. Contact us for more details and let us help you become a stronger and healthier version of yourself.









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