How to Set Fitness Goals You Can Actually Keep

After you ring in the new year, there is pressure to make promises about fitness goals and objectives, but how many people actually follow through with these resolutions? The idea behind such promises is admirable, although, in retrospect, a little clumsy in the execution. Saying that you will do something is not the same as doing it. Making legitimate life-changes cannot be made on a whim, at least not in most cases. If you really want this year to be the year of health and fitness, then you need to set goals you can keep, and you need to do that in a way that is sustainable and planned. Hold off buying that beefed-up men’s bike, and postpone the purchase of that laid-back city bike for sale. Do your prep work before making any large fitness purchases.

Start Slow

While getting excited about health and wellness is an excellent mindset to have and maintain, it is necessary to contain your exuberance, so you don’t set yourself up for failure. Imagining a workout routine is very different from committing to the habit of exercise. It is easy to say you are going to find a womens bikes for sale and ride ten miles a day, but if you haven’t been riding in a while, how long before that routine burns you out. Start slow. Stay motivated.

Schedule and Log Everything

Another excellent tip is to schedule and log everything. Keep an exercise and food journal. Writing down your objectives and the steps you have taken to accomplish them maintains focus, keeping you accountable. Also, if you want to go beyond personal accountability, begin sharing your goals and progress with friends and family.

Change Stale Routines

Exercise, especially when done alone, can become dull and tedious. If you are finding your routine has grown stale, then consider changing it up. If you go on solo bike rides, consider asking a friend to join or commit to a cycling class. You can even change the order of your workout to help reduce boredom.

Take Photos

It is no secret that changes to your own body shape and size are difficult to notice without measurements and evidence. Taking pictures will help you stay motivated and help you see the genuine changes that are occurring because of your hard work. However, do not take photos or measurements too close together. Give your body time to transform. Try giving at least one to two weeks in between each photo session.

Be Realistic and Be Forgiving

Last, understand that making a lifestyle change is not easy, and you will have setbacks and moments where you want to give up. Be realistic and forgiving in these moments. Your hard work and progress do not disappear because you succumbed to temptation or missed a workout.

The main objective of setting fitness goals you can keep is to find something you enjoy doing that is sustainable and then setting small, realistic goals that are easy to maintain and develop. Bike riding is a fun activity with significant health benefits. If your resolution for the new year is to live healthier and happier, then draw up a schedule for riding and go out and buy yourself a bike.