It is traditional to take time at the end of the calendar year to reflect on the last twelve months and assess successes and challenges. Then refocus on goals for the new year, culminating in a New Year Resolution.
On January first, we know our plan and are committed to seeing it through. But new habits are hard to make, and it is not uncommon to lose steam.
Maybe your resolution was too difficult, expensive, or time-consuming to implement. We often bite off more than we can chew, leading to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment.
But your resolution does not need to be abandoned. February is the month to pause and review your resolution, doubling down on your steadfastness.
The Paseo Club has been helping athletes of all ages and abilities in the Santa Clarita Valley for over twenty years. We offer tennis, pickleball, swimming, and fitness classes every day of the week.
In this article, we will share with you some important tips from our trainers about how to stick to your New Year's resolution and avoid the February slump.
How do you choose a New Year's resolution wisely?
-png-1.png?width=429&height=369&name=cropped_compressedSusan2%20-%20Edited%20(1)-png-1.png)
When you consider what resolution to make, choose something that you really want to do — and make it attainable.
Many people decide to start a fitness program in January. They tell themselves that they need to work out five days a week. When they only work out for two days per week, they feel defeated and quit exercising altogether.
The key is to start small. If you are new to working out, begin by exercising twice a week for 20 minutes each day.
Can resolutions be revamped in February?
It is common to have a lot of enthusiasm for your resolution in January and then have your good intentions taper by February.
You may need to assess your goal — as frequently as every month.
February is a great time to review your New Years plan and see if it is attainable and if you have been able to follow through with it.
In some cases that means you need to make the resolution easier, and less time or energy intensive. You can choose shorter workouts, fewer days at the gym, or attend a less-intensive class.
Other times it is the opposite — you may want to increase the frequency or duration of your workouts. After one month of twice-a-week workouts, you may be ready to exercise three times per week and try the new cycle or weights class.
You can always adjust your goals to what you feel is an appropriate workout schedule for your age, health, and ability.
What if you fall off of the wagon?
When you make a New Year’s resolution, you must commit to it each and every day.
But sometimes life gets in the way — work, kids, a cold, or the flu. It is easy to get derailed when you are implementing new habits.
If you fall off the wagon, don’t quit. Start again. If you miss a session, or even a week or two, get back to it. Every little bit of time you take for your health and fitness is a positive move in the right direction.
What steps can people take to create new habits?
Researchers have studied how habits get formed. It is surprising how long it takes! Generally speaking, it takes 66 days to form new habits.
That means you need to give yourself until March (at least!) to experience your new commitment to exercise as a normal part of your life and not just a resolution you are trying to get used to.
What steps can people take to make their new habit stick?
Anyone can implement these six simple steps into their lives to help maintain their new fitness routine.
-
Express your commitment to your new goal to a friend or post it on social media. When you declare your intentions aloud, that increases accountability. When you increase accountability, there is a higher chance of follow-through.
-
Ask a friend if they want to join you in making the same resolution. You can support one another by working out together and sharing your successes and challenges.
-
Build in rewards for yourself. Whether you reward yourself monthly or after three or six months of successful workouts, give yourself a gift. These little “something specials” can be a new workout outfit, an appointment at the spa, or even a weekend holiday.
-
Create a routine. Routines help with consistency. Set an intentional time to focus on your goal every week and then put it on your calendar. Work other commitments around this new schedule.
-
Attend group exercise classes each week. You will get to know other members in the class and be more apt to show up consistently.
-
Make a financial commitment connected to your resolution. Money can be a motivator. When you pay for a group class or private training, it does increase attendance.
Staying active throughout the year
It is easy to let negative talk run our lives.
- “I am too old to change my habits.”
- “I am too overweight to join a group class.”
- “Everyone is fitter than me, and I’ll look silly in class.”
- “I am not coordinated enough to learn a new sport.”
- “I don’t have time to exercise.”
But this defeatist mentality does not need to take over.
It is ok to be a beginner at any age. And there is no scientific proof that there is an age where you can’t learn something new — old dogs do learn new tricks.
It can be tough to make a resolution and stay with it. But you are not the only one trying to live a healthier, happier life. That is why a friend or community is so important to support you in your goals.
The Paseo Club is not just a fitness center. It is a social club where members, instructors, and staff are partners in fitness and in friendship.
The Paseo Club offers group fitness classes and private training sessions so that you can select what method works best for you. There are over 60 fitness classes offered each week. Choose from Pilates, cycle, yoga, HIIT, blood flow restriction training, and much more.
If you love court games, there are 21 courts for tennis and pickleball. Grab a friend for a game or sign up for a drills class.
Swimmers can enjoy lap swimming or Liquid Cardio in the junior-Olympic pool that is open year-round.
If you have not yet seen our facilities, then what are you waiting for? Schedule a tour today and check out the club!
To learn more about fitness, read these three articles.
Topics:
