Monday, January 28, 2019

The New Year Rush of "Getting Back on Track" has Passed, now What?

By:Zumba™ Fitness Instructor Megan Anastasio

Who can believe that it is already the LAST week of January? If you are crushing your fitness goals and sticking with your healthy lifestyle, KUDOS to you! If you are overall doing well, sticking to your plan, feeling good, but have had a few hiccups, KUDOS to you! If you find that you want to be on track but are struggling, you can do it, KUDOS to you. Take this opportunity to celebrate your successes, and plan for your future. I don't mean a month from now, I don't even mean next week. I mean think about what you want to accomplish today and this week and plan out your fitness schedule. We sat down and talked to Group Fitness Instructor Megan Anastasio, and she shared with us her Top 10 Tips for sticking with your fitness goals and plans.

1. Always have a schedule. We have heard it before. Failing to plan, is planning to fail. At the beginning of the week, take a look at your work schedule, your gym schedule and your kid and schedule and figure out when you want to exercise. Write it down in your agenda and actually block off your time.

2. Find a friend to workout with. Securing a workout buddy helps with accountability and motivation. I guarantee if you make plans to meet someone at the gym you will think twice before canceling. Besides, you know it will be fun AND you will feel amazing when you are done your workout. 

3. Push yourself even when you think you can’t do something. This is SO important! You ARE stronger than you think. Take the negativity out of your mindset. Instead of thinking "I can't, I can't do this", think to yourself, "I can do this, I can do this". Try it once and see if you can get just one more rep in. Before you know it that one more rep will turn into two, and your progress will start showing in your workouts.

4. Set goals for you to reach for each type of exercise. It is not only important to plan to get to the gym, but it is important to plan out what you are going to do when you get there. If you are headed to a cycle class, make sure you have your cycle shoes and seat cover. If you are going to weight train, think about what muscles you want to hit during your workout and either do your homework before you go for examples of muscle group activities, or ask someone at the gym to point out which machines to use if you are ever unsure. Going to a cardio group fitness class? Bring a towel and always make sure you have water.

5. Make sure to hydrate and rest when needed. If you are feeling tired, sick or under the weather, STAY home! Your body is telling you that you need to rest, and I promise that nobody at the gym wants your germs :P. I know you have heard it before, but drink, drink, drink water. It is so important to keep your body well hydrated.

6. Have confidence in yourself. If you only remember ONE of these helpful tips, put this one in your back pocket. You are your biggest critic. Push past any negative thoughts you may have. YOU GOT THIS!

7. Fuel your body. Make sure to fuel your body with lots of protein and veggies after a great workout.  

8. Its not just about working out - it’s also about what you put in your body with what you eat. It is hard to get home starving and not devour everything in the fridge. On your way home, grab a protein bar and water to hold you over. Pre-plan your meal if you need to. Exercising does not give a green light to eat an entire cake.

9. Motivate others at the gym when they look like they are doubting themselves. Considering giving someone an authentic compliment. Considering smiling at someone. Consider asking someone if they need a hand. You have NO idea how much impact such a small gesture can mean to someone else. It can literally make their day and help them get over a hurdle.

10. Turn up the tunes. Great music can motivate you, keep you pumped up, and it will surely keep your workout going. Time will FLY by and before you know it, you will be done! 

1 comment:

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