A common trend I see as a personal trainer is people falling on and off “the wagon” from season to season with regards to weight loss, eating healthy, and working out. Reasons for this could be that they choose a goal that is too hard to stick to long term, set too many goals all at once, or they lack motivation and discipline. Research has proven it takes 21 days to form a habit and habits are an essential part of our lives, whether good or bad. If you don’t like your current situation, perhaps you need to examine your habits?

This time of year is a popular time for people to be setting new year’s resolutions to get healthy or lose weight; however, the key is setting yourself up for success to stay focused long term (making it a habit) on reaching the goals you set out for yourself.

Here are 3 ways to make exercise a habit:

1. Set One Easy, Specific, and Measurable Goal– choose only 1 goal, write it down, be specific, do not choose a goal you will not achieve or come close to within the first month, and make it measurable (use numbers when choosing length of a run, number of push ups you want to be able to do, or number of inches you want to lose etc.)

2. Log Progress Daily and Report to Others– immediately log your workout after completing it each day and you will begin to see your progress as you get stronger, faster, etc. Reporting to your online blog, an online forum, spouse, friends, or co-workers each morning who know your goal will help hold you accountable and keep you truckin’ towards that goal.

3. Add Motivation as Needed– If you miss 2 or 3 consecutive workouts you need to look at why and possibly add a new motivator. This means new rewards, more public pressure, join a new fitness class or sports team to keep things interesting and keep you working towards your goal.

January is a great time to get started! While you sit and read this article take a minute to write down 1 goal you want to achieve in January and how you are going to achieve it.

View my article about setting SMART Goals here: https://www.core-condition.com/quick-tips/setting-new-fitness-goals-make-sure-they-are-smart-goals/

Email Michelle@CORE-Condition.com for some help with goal setting or how to reach your goals.

Michelle Roots BA Kin, CSCS, PES

www.CORE-Condition.com