We all know New Year's fitness resolutions don't always stick.
The problem with most is they're not personal enough. Resolving to "eat better" or "be fit" only reduces your desire for health to a bit of generic advice.
So what to do? This year, make it personal. Tie your 2015 fitness resolution to something that makes you excited, maybe even a little scared. That way, you're less likely to forget your resolution and more likely to succeed.
Here are five ideas to get you started:
1. Get to the starting line.
A great source of personal motivation is a looming date when you'll need to be your fittest. Signing up for a road race is one great option. In Vancouver, we have The Sun Run, one of the world's most popular 10-kilometre runs, each April. This provides time to make real fitness gains before the race, but not enough to put preparation off for long. But remember to focus only on beating your own personal best time.
2. Book a beach day.
If athletic achievements don't motivate you much, and we hear that a lot, feeling better on the beach just might. First, book a firm date to go splashing in some waves. Then, resolve to feel your most confident ever that day. Tropical locations are great, but you can also consider a day on any of B.C.'s beautiful lakes, such as Okanagan or Shuswap. Prefer to stay closer to home? There's always Wreck Beach...
3. Ready for your closeup?
This classic personal training motivator works wonders. Simply schedule a professional photography shoot for yourself. Make it fun - the details are up to you. But also make sure you leave time to improve first. Maybe set it for your birthday or anniversary, or for the start of summer. You will want to look your best that day and you will also have the pictures afterward to keep as lasting motivation.
4. Get in the game.
Remember when you were a kid? You didn't exercise for health but because it was such fun. You can recapture that pure body joy by joining a rec league in your favourite childhood sport, or something you always wanted to try. Soccer and softball are always great choices, but there are also adult leagues for everything from dodgeball to floor hockey. Or what about a martial art? Wax on, wax off, right?
5. Invest in success.
Achieving personal fitness goals always comes at a price. First of all, you must resolve to devote time to your goal by prioritizing fitness over other pastimes. You must also be prepared to buy proper fitness gear, especially tops, shorts and shoes. Designer apparel is not needed, but modern fabrics are definitely more comfortable to sweat in than old cotton T-shirts. So spoil yourself a little if you can. It's worth it.
Finally, don't let the fear of failure limit your ambitions. If you feel you have lots of room to improve, then definitely strive for that. Just remember to make your 2015 resolutions clear and always personal.
Shaun Karp is a certified trainer and owner of Karp Personal Training in Vancouver. 604-420-7800 karpfitness.com
