Eight Tips to Jumpstart Your Fitness Goals in the New Year.

A new year means a new beginning. For a lot of us, that means that we have a list of goals we’re trying to accomplish. Some of the most common goals we start on January 1st are fitness and wellness goals. Here are eight tips to make sure you’re able to crush those goals this new year! Define your goals. One mistake a lot of people make is that they don’t have a clear, defined goal. To create a goal that you can stick to it needs to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-sensitive. So instead of just saying something like, “ I want to lose weight this year”, your goal should sound more like, “I want to lose 35 pounds by December 31, 2021, by eating 1550 calories per day and working out at least four times per week.” Make a plan. After you have narrowed down your goals, you need a plan. This plan should incorporate your workout split, calorie and macro goals, check-in days, and maybe even an appointment with a registered dietician and/or personal trainer. Focus on nutrition. The saying “abs are made in the kitchen” is 100% true. Your fitness journey is 80% nutrition and 20% percent exercise. If you are looking to lose weight, you need to be in a caloric deficit. This means you need to be consuming fewer calories than your body is burning per day. However, you need to make sure that you are still eating enough so your body burns fat instead of storing it in fear of starvation. (This is where that registered dietician or personal trainer comes in to help you.) If you are trying to build muscle you need to be in a caloric surplus.

Find an accountability partner. This can be a friend that has the same level of commitment as you do or as simple as hiring a trainer. If a friend is accompanying you on your journey make sure that you are able to push each other; especially on the days when you may be less than enthusiastic about heading to the gym.

Track your progress. This is the MOST important step. Tracking your progress allows you to see changes and make adjustments accordingly. The number on the scale can be deceiving but there are so many other ways to track progress. Instead of weighing yourself every day or week; try taking progress pictures, body measurements, or go off the way your clothes look and feel.

Stay hydrated. One percent decrease in hydration results in a 10% decrease of function in the brain. We need water more than any other nutrient. Our bodies are made up of over 70% water. In order to feel good our bodies must function properly. In order to function properly our bodies need water.

Be kind to yourself. Remember this is a journey, not a race. You will face many bumps and turns in the road. Acknowledge that you are human and mistakes happen. Navigate these downfalls with grace and forgiveness. One bad day doesn’t mean all your progress stops. One cheat meal doesn’t mean everything is a loss.

Remember your why. Why did you start this journey in the first place? Why are you putting in all this time and energy? Why are you trying to make these changes to your life? Dig deep, this will be the thing that you’ll need to turn to and use on the days when this journey gets hard.

Now that you have all the secrets you need; write down your why and your goals and put them on a sticky note on a mirror or wall you see every day. If you’re stuck and need help with forming your goals or creating your workout plans visit www.livingfitnessandwellness.com and sign up for a free consultation.

Amber Valencia - U S . A R M Y N A T I O N A L G U ARD A 29- year-old wife, Veteran and mother of three, served in the Nevada Army National Guard for eight years as a Specialist. She was a 25L and 92W. Proud owner of a fitness/wellness business called Living by Amber Nicole and has a podcast called Living Through Joy coming out soon. Connect with Amber at www.livingfitnessandwellness.com.

Eight Tips to Jumpstart your Fitness Goals in the New Year.