If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been making resolutions to get in shape and lose weight since you were a kid.
When those New Year’s resolutions start to fade, you may wonder where they went. You were so determined on Jan. 1 that now it’s Feb. 4 and all you can think about is that chocolate cake on the counter.
The key to sticking with your goals is identifying the ones that have a good chance of success and are realistic for your life. I’ve asked wellness experts to share their best advice for helping you achieve your fitness goals and stick with them for years to come.
Here are seven fitness goals to set for the new year and beyond:
1. Be active every day. If you aren’t already active, aim to walk 10,000 steps a day (at least five miles) or do some form of exercise at least three times a week. It could be dance or water aerobics or an exercise class at your gym — whatever you enjoy and can commit to on a regular basis.
2. Set a FitBit goal. Use your Fitbit to track how many steps you take in a day, how far you walk, and how many calories you burn. Then, set a goal for those categories for the week or month ahead of time, and see if you can beat it!
3. Try a New Class. Sign up for a class at a local gym or recreation center. The instructor can provide you with a thorough orientation and review the movements before you begin. If the class is small, personal attention can be provided on an individual basis. Try something like yoga or spin classes.
4. Fit into old clothes. If you have clothes that no longer fit, and you haven’t worn in years, keep them as motivation. Set a goal of getting back into them by the end of the year. This will inspire you to work out and eat healthier so that you can get back into all of those nice outfits that are just hanging in your closet!
5. Take the stairs. Stair climbing is a great way to get in some cardio, build muscle, and get an all-over workout. And you can do it just about anywhere there are stairs — at the mall, your office building, or even your apartment building.
