Getting fit is one of the top New Year’s resolutions, so how are you doing as we approach the end of the month? Most of us start a new fitness campaign enthusiastically and just can’t keep it up. There are several reasons for this:
- Too much too soon: You need to take it slowly and build up gradually. If you get out of breath and feel nauseous or ache so much the next day that walking up and down stairs is difficult, you are overdoing it. You should feel that you have achieved something, not be defeated by it. You should feel revitalised, not wiped out.
- Your goals are unrealistic, your expectations too high: If you expect too much too soon or set unrealistic goals, you will fail. Although having a short-term goal, an event (eg, wedding) to aim towards can kick start a routine, exercise is something you will be doing for the rest of your life, so there is no hurry.
- Your fitness partner doesn’t always turn up: If they don’t turn up one day, you are less likely to continue by yourself. Try and find a small group of like-minded people to exercise with rather than just one other. If you are out in the dark or in remote areas, it is safer to be in a group. It is motivating to have other people with whom you can share your experiences and offer one another support.
- You’re bored: Some of us are perfectly happy to run the same road year in year out, but Some people just get bored and need a change. Have a variety of activities to choose from.
- It doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle: If you are a morning person, you are unlikely to stick to an evening exercise class for long. If you are a night owl, the early morning session will soon become something you hate and will fall by the wayside. If it takes too long to get to your class, your enthusiasm will fade. You are trying to build a habit, so you need to ensure that whatever you choose fits in with your life- style on a regular basis.
- You have chosen a form of exercise you dread: You will soon find out whether or not your exercise of choice is the one for you. Don’t run if you find it tedious; don’t do Zumba if you have no sense of rhythm; don’t do yoga if you like loud music and a fast tempo. If you find that you are dreading it, find something else. You may have thought that a game of tennis with your friends was a great way of getting fit and socialising all at the same time, but perhaps it doesn’t challenge you enough or you find it demoralising. Be prepared to try other things.
Most of all, try to lead a more active life.