EXERCISE TIPS FOR 2023

By: Jared Brimer

The beginning of the year is a new opportunity to refresh your lifestyle. A lot of people get started with their fitness journey around this time of year, usually in the form of New Year’s resolutions. Most people last 2-4 weeks and then begin to feel discouraged and give up. Here’s a few things that have helped me with sticking with my fitness goals, and hopefully they can help you.

To start off, a big thing to understand is that everyone starts in different places. We have different setbacks in life and everyone has different goals when it comes to fitness. So, it is important to focus on yourself, rather than others.

Tip #1:

Do not do too much too fast. What I mean by that is know your limits. Oftentimes I see people have a ton of motivation to get after it and they

do too much, which results in getting burned out or injury. Take the time to learn what is good for you, and what you find the most enjoyment in.

Tip #2

Set realistic goals. A big factor in people getting discouraged is they set unrealistic goals and when those goals aren’t met, they give up. Realistic goals can be achievable but also have a little wiggle room, I mean, we are human at the end of the day. Wiggle room means things like giving a little more time to lose that weight, or maybe giving yourself a few free passes throughout the week when it comes to food or drinks.

Tip #3

Find what works for you. A lot of people want to start a new fad diet, or new workout that promises results fast, most of the time these are not sustainable for the average person. So,

the diet or the workout routine that is going to work the best is the one that you can follow and enjoy the most. Finding what makes the journey enjoyable will make it a lot easier to stick with it and achieve those goals you set for yourself. Even if it is small, like going on a walk, or working out for 20 minutes. Keep doing the things that work for you, and do not be afraid to change those things if they start to not be as enjoyable.

Tip#4

Listen to your body. Pushing your limits and getting better are both good things, but when your body calls for a rest day it is a good idea to listen to it. Not listening to your body can result in injury, and can set you back a few weeks of progress while you heal. Treating your body to a rest day, or a rest week is not a negative thing. Letting yourself relax and heal will benefit you in the long run.

Tip #5

Discipline over motivation. This lifestyle change is not going to be a walk in the park, but it is doable. Having the motivation to make the change is a very good thing, being able to find that motivation means there is a desire to make the change you want. Being realistic, motivation runs out sooner or later. That is where discipline comes in. Making the commitment to yourself to show up on the days that it is a little harder to show up, days you do not feel like it, or days that have been long and you’re tired. Following your routine will help you push through the feeling of giving up.

So, if you are looking to set fitness New Year’s resolutions this year and you are afraid of the same thing that happens every year, take a step back and come at it with a new approach. Hopefully, these 5 tips can help aid you to keep on track with your goals and help you achieve what you set out to accomplish. I believe anyone can do anything they set their mind to.

YOU’VE GOT THIS!