8 Tips for Keeping Your Fitness Commitment

Photo by Slava Taukachou on Unsplash

A lot of us begin the new year with the best of intentions. The motivation is high, and the expectations for ourselves are even higher. But let’s face it, life gets busy, and it can become difficult to stick with our goals. If you find it difficult to keep up with your resolution, know that you are not alone. According to a poll done by Forbes, the top New Year’s resolution is to improve fitness, with the average person maintaining their resolution for about 3.74 months.

Also read: 6 New Years Reflections

January can be a really rough month. It’s cold, dark, and we may find ourselves longingly dreaming of spring making another appearance. The motivation we may have had when we set our resolutions can fade as the reality of bundling up to leave the house and shovelling our driveway before going anywhere truly sets in.

It is a very common narrative to make great plans for maintaining a fitness schedule, and then have it collapse a couple of weeks into January. If you are looking to keep your fitness commitment, here are a few points that may help you.

8 Tips for Keeping Your Fitness Commitment

1. Re-Examine Your Goals

Setting New Year’s resolutions and goals can feel really exciting, and we may find ourselves putting too much on our plate with the best of intentions. While there’s nothing wrong with being excited and wanting to change quickly, sometimes the shift can feel unattainable, and we may find it difficult to keep up with our goals. Instead of stopping completely, give yourself grace to re-examine your goals. If going to the gym five days a week isn’t working for you, can you do one or two days? Alternatively, can you work out at home instead? Focus on baby steps and build from there.

2. Work with Your Interests

Not every fitness activity is right for every person. We’re all unique individuals, so just because you see someone else enjoying something doesn’t mean you necessarily will enjoy the exact same thing. If you see your neighbour winter running but you struggle with going out in the cold, you may find you enjoy working out indoors instead. A great way to keep up with a habit is to make it something you enjoy.

3. Workout with a Buddy

It can be difficult to find the motivation to leave our warm, cozy homes in the winter. I find that when I make a commitment to a friend to walk with her, I am more inclined to keep it. I know that we have made a commitment, and the element of accountability is important for me to stay consistent.

4. Online Classes

One of the best things that has come out of the digital world we live in is the ability to attend classes from anywhere in the world - and that goes for workout classes, too! Whether it’s following a YouTube video or attending a Zoom class live with others, the ability to work out from your home makes it more attainable for many of us. Not only is it convenient, but it also allows you to try a variety of workouts before committing to an in-person class. You may find the perfect fit for your fitness needs.

5. Join a Gym

The gym can be very motivating for many people. While we may have slightly different goals, everyone there is working to improve themselves in one way or another. It’s a great way to get out of the house when it’s dark and cold, and to interact with others who share common goals. If you’re nervous to go, see if a friend will go with you!

6. Invest in a Personal Trainer

A personal trainer can be a wonderful, motivating investment. When I hired a personal trainer, I was very committed to working out and saw immediate results. She taught me a lot and made sure I was doing everything safely and efficiently.

7. Keep a Journal or Calendar of your Workouts

Schedule your workouts the way you’d schedule a meeting or appointment. This allows you to create a plan around what works best for you, which can help you stay motivated and committed.

8. Reward Yourself

Treat yourself to something special if you have maintained your goals and fitness routine. You can set the timeline that works for you; for example, if you have committed for two weeks, perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to a new workout outfit or something else that suits your needs.

Wishing you all the best in your fitness endeavours. Always remember to be kind to yourself during your fitness journey!