Every New Year I make the same exact resolution: this year I will work out, I will go to the gym, I will lose ten pounds. And every year it falls through after just a few weeks. However, THIS year I swear to keep my resolution. I have a great plan, lots of hope and confidence, and of course my best friend Ceci to support me every step of the way. I’m going to share my tips to hopefully inspire anyone else who struggles with their New Year’s resolutions.
1) Don’t worry about sharing it. You don’t have to tell anyone about your resolution because that can add a lot of extra pressure. But do write it down because a dream written down becomes a goal, a goal broken down into steps becomes a plan, and a plan backed by action makes your dreams come true.
2) Break it down to make it fit. Trust me, I know how hard it is to balance school, work, friends, clubs, and meals. To then to add working out onto that feels impossible. You don’t have to work out everyday and you don’t even have to work out at a gym. I like to do squats while I wait for the microwave. I do crunches, bridges, and anything else on my back while I’m reading for class. A little yoga or stretching is always a great study break, so is a quick walk around the block. Whatever works for you is perfect.
3) Get inspiration. I get so inspired by buying new outfits, especially if it’s for working out. Making a new playlist is always a good idea. I also am guilty of scrolling through fitness influencers on Instagram or watching hours of workout videos on YouTube. Although I know they are often selling a product and it’s unrealistic and unhealthy to compare myself to them, it is helpful to learn new exercises because I have never had a personal trainer or anyone to teach me how to exercise properly. A few youtubers and instagramers I like are Nicole Pearce, Maddie Lymburner, and Vicky Justiz. You can also find loads of instructional classes for Zumba or Yoga or Tae Bo or anything else on Youtube.
4) You can go it alone or in a group. Sometimes I like to invite my friends, other times I just want to go alone and be completely focused. I also really like to take group classes at my university’s fitness center. I love doing group yoga on Sundays because it resets me for a new week, and I really like taking cardio dance because it reminds me very much of ballet class I took in high school. There are loads of other types of classes with so many different types of workouts available, so check those out.
5) Don’t let anyone make you feel intimidated or lesser than. This is SUPER important to me. I used to absolutely hate going to the gym because I felt like everyone was staring at me and judging me. A few times I tried to go without my contacts so I wouldn’t need to see anyone else. If you want your friends there with you for support, then great. If you just want to work out in your room that’s awesome, too. Remember that everyone walks their own path. Please love yourself first and care about everyone else second. If you need to pause your goals to take care of your mental health, do it, it is just as important.
6) It does not matter how many times you quit as long as you try again. Some days I just can’t do it; I feel empty and disgusting, and all I want to do is lay in bed. There is always tomorrow or the next day or the next. A whole year is a very long time so don’t worry about it. Take each day as it comes and set goals that you really can accomplish. Just know that I am celebrating every success along with you because it is a new year and I have hope in the future.
Fitness is a journey. It is not just about working out, it is also mental health, food choices, self love, and so much more. There is not one set paradigm of fitness either it’s a personal process with results as unique as each of us. Progress is progress period, and every step in the right direction is amazing. So as they say…New Year, new me, I got this. You got this. We all got this.