So here we are. Full on into the New Year. And chances are we all need to keep our words of the year and our goals infront of our eyes more than ever lest February comes and snatches them away.
See January 2nd, the gyms are PACKED. Everyone and their Grandpa are making fitness goals. And we think that’s amazing because no matter your current level of physical health, all of us can do something to take it up a notch.
Maybe for you, “up a notch,” looks like simply starting to exercise, maybe for you that looks like saying yes to that ½ marathon or a Tuesday night Spin class.
Regardless of where you’re at, we can all make strides to challenge ourselves.
Now, most likely, you’ve probably made fitness “resolutions” in the past. You got super excited, you laced up those Nike’s and you even bought…a thigh master.
(SIDE NOTE: At my house, in the 80’s, we QVC-ed ourselves the knock-off version, the “thigh toner.” It was pink and awesome.)
Unfortunately, Forbes says that only 8% of us actually stick with our goals.
Here’s the thing though, you can TOTALLY be in that 8%! Who told you you couldn’t?
It’s a new year. You can have new strength, new focus, and new determination IF you’ll let go of your let downs from the past. Today, you’re bringing with you all the wisdom you gleaned last year and you can continue venturing into THIS year poised for a win no matter what obstacles you may encounter.
If you’re a Jesus follower, then you know that you can do all things through Him because He is your strength and that the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you….so now, super cool friend, do tell, why you think you can’t take your No Small Life to the next level?
This year, let’s shift our mindset about our fitness goals. I mean getting leaner and going down a pant size is fun and all, but what if your motivation was deeper?
What if gaining strength, blasting stress and having confidence to try the things you never thought you could do was your goal?
I don’t know about you but, as far as it depends on me, I never want my physical capability or lack there-of to keep me from amazing opportunities. We never know what our futures hold and if God calls future you to go raise $17,000 for missions by hiking to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, (like this 84 year old women…seriously) then, don’t you kind of want to do that!?!
One of our main objectives is to help you live a full, meaningful and well rounded life. And spurring your No Small Life on in the practical area of fitness is just one of the ways we want to do that.
Let’s be good stewards of the body we’ve been given so we can live out this one precious life to the fullest of its potential.
All right, now that we’re all motivated to go mountain climbing in Tanzania, how about a few practical steps? Here are 6 simple tricks to keep plugging along and turn your fitness goals into a reality…
1. Schedule it
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never “found” time. If something is a priority then you must make time. So grab your iPhone, Google calendar or good ole’ fashioned paper planner (this is the one I use) and pencil in your workouts for the week. When you write something down you have a 42% greater chance of actually accomplishing it. So write it down to make it happen.
Everyone’s ideal workout time is different. I am a morning exerciser. Waking up early and doing it first thing is the only way for me to stay consistent. If I wait until after work, 9 times out of 10, life happens; other things take precedence and I will talk myself out of it.
Chris on the other hand, loves to hit the gym after work. He’s not a morning person and likes to workout with friends at the end of the day.
The only “perfect” time to workout is the one that you can make consistently happen. So you do you here. Be realistic and schedule it.
2. Use what you have
Maybe you have a gym membership, way to go you! Enjoy it and use it up. BUT, Maybe that’s not a realistic option for you right now. Guess what? No. Biggie. There are a myriad of fitness resources at your disposal these days and many of them are…wait for it…FREE! YouTube has a TON of fitness videos from just about every genre of exercise that you could imagine.
In addition, one of your greatest fitness tools is probably just within arms reach from you at this moment…your smartphone. About a year ago I told you about my 3 Favorite FREE Workout Apps and I still use them all the time you guys, they’re awesome. Check them out here. Also, if any of you have found some good new ones, I’d love to hear!
3. Prep
The goal of this step is to remove as many of the potential excuses as possible. If you decide to work out in the a.m set your coffee maker, lay out your work out clothes, get your breakfast or pre/post workout snack (here are a few good ideas) ready the night before. Also, prep other steps in your morning routine to help free up time for your workout. Do you spend 5 min staring at your closet trying to get a little wardrobe inspiration? Put your entire outfit together the night before. (And use this quick tip to make it even simpler) Are you a morning lunch packer or email reader? Try those tasks at different times. Just think through your current routine and decide where you can redeem a few extra minutes for your workout.
Maybe you want to work out after work or in the evening? Pack a gym bag, lay your clothes out, fill your water bottle. Whatever you can do to make it easier to say “yes” to your workout, go all Shia and just, “DO IT!”
The little things really do make a big difference guys. About 6 months ago I started setting my workout clothes on the bathroom counter before I go to sleep. It’s the first thing I see in the morning and if I can “suit up” before I’ve done anything else, I’m halfway there.
4. Workout DVD’s
No gym=No problem. You already know my undying love for Free Workout Apps as stated above. But I’m also a child of the 90’s and love me some workout DVD’s. I have quite a few in my library that I like to rotate through to keep my body challenged and captilize on “muscle confusion.” It’s a thing, google it. Anyways…here are my Top 10 Favorites Workout DVDs, and there is something for everybody!
5. Drink Water
Keep yourself hydrated and your brain alert so you’re in the right frame of mind to tackle your workout. I won’t elaborate too much on the topic since there are so many awesome posts to motivate you to drink water already out there. Looking for a good one to help you boost your H2O intake, check out this one!
Also, if you find a reusable water bottle you love, you’ll be much more prone to tote it around with you everywhere thus drinking more water. I know, I should’ve been a rocket scientist. But SERIOUSLY how cool is this diamond patterned bottle? #GoingOnMyWishList
6. Recover
This is one step that unfortunately, I’ve learned the hard way time and time again. I like to work out hard and when you do that, you also need to take care of your self in order to prevent injury. After bouts with pulled oblique’s, Plantar fasciitis, Bursitis and lots of other painful phenomenon’s, I’m finally getting much better at listening to my body if it’s trying to tell me something.
Along the way, I’ve also discovered a few things that help me heal up fast if I feel something coming on. From supplements, to herbs, to equipment, click here for a list of all of my go-to’s.PS…if you are trying to heal your digestive system, there’s a great supplement for that in here too! #HappyBonus
Above all guys, remember, you are your own worst enemy and at the end of the day the one thing that stands in the way of you succeeding in the area of your health and fitness, is that thing that lives in your head and is located between your ears.
You won’t achieve your fitness goals overnight or even in 2 weeks, but if you’re consistent and you can shut down that negative voice in your head (for help on that click here) well then there’s really no limit to what your No Small Life can accomplish.
It doesn’t matter if this is the 1st time or the 27th time you’ve made a health goal, it’s a new year and my friend, you can do this!
Such a powerful promise and HOW awesome is this proof? From more from designer Cindi Koceich and her awesome Etsy shop, click here.
What are some of your Fitness Goals this year?
Until Next Time,
Meg
Need to be inspired, you know, like every week?? We got you. SUBSCRIBE HERE
*this post contains affiliate links
These are some really good tricks. I will especially follow the one with making a scheduele. My excuse always is: no time, and as you said many times life happens. But maybe if I write everythin down, and make some order in my day to day life, I will able to keep up a good workout routine.
It’s really helped me Christina, hope it’s helping you too!
Love this post! I tell my Pilates clients #5 and #6 all the time! It’s so important to take care and replenish our bodies.
Do you? I love that Donna!
This is a great encouragement to set achievable goals for the right reason. I don’t do resolutions, but I do want to resolve to seek be present, willing, and able to follow hard after God. To do that, I also need to purpose to be as healthy as I can. I learned the hard way that I won’t use that gym membership like I thought because it isn’t easy to get there as a homeschooling mom… but I can step outside the door and go for a 20 min walk or run. It is better than nothing and if I show up daily to do it, it create that habit. The using what I have, making time to do it, and being mindful not to over-do-it have been the result of learning the hard way for me, but I love that you shared these same ideas here as a reminder and a boost to others. And that water intake… it is a must, isn’t it?!
Great post! Thanks for sharing it at the#GraceMoments Link Up.
Blessings,
Dawn
I hear ya, Chris isn’t a big one for “resolutions” either. Dawn, I love that you’re making time for a 20 min walk. Sticking with that can make an impact! And absolutely YES to the water! 🙂 My brain gets way too foggy without it 😉
Love these thoughts so based in realism. We have so many demands on us that it’s hard to make fitness a priority.
Thank you Michele! You’re right so many of life demands can get in the way of our physical health, but in the end, it is so worth it!
These are great! My husband and I just started using the spin bikes at the gym after our girls get on the bus in the mornings. He has an app with classes we can watch and go along with. It is fun to do together! (Except for the uncomfortable bike seats.)
That sounds like a blast…except for the bike seats, ouch!