New Year's resolutions are relatively easy to make but can be difficult to put into practice . This may be due to not thinking a resolution through and placing enough thought on strategy, focus and end goals. Making a New Year's resolution to start exercising or maintain fitness involves a variety of processes that should be carefully considered for optimal benefits.
Be Reasonable
A person who has never exercised and makes a New Year's resolution to exercise for an hour every day may be setting himself up for failure, according to Workouts For You, a website dedicated to personalized fitness training. Set goals that are obtainable within a reasonable period of time. For example, a person 20 pounds overweight should not expect to drop the weight in a week or two, but plan for a one- to two-pound drop every week, setting weight loss goals at 12 week increments, suggests Fit Watch, an online exercise and weight loss resource.
Make a Plan
Design a weight loss and fitness plan that fits into current lifestyle habits and time frames. Start gradually, making a schedule to set aside a certain amount of time to exercise three days a week. Gradually increase exercise time to five or six days a week after the body and mind have had a chance to adjust to new demands and priorities, suggests Workouts For You. Select types of exercise that are enjoyable for you; for example, indoor aerobics or kickboxing workouts or outdoor exercise like tennis, jogging or basketball.
Write it Down
Create a written schedule, suggests the She Knows Health and Wellness website. Track calorie intake and the type and duration of exercises performed on a daily basis, which helps individuals stay on track. Place a check mark next to planned workouts as they're completed, or write down what exercises will be done on a daily basis ahead of time, taking the guesswork out of planning weekly workouts. Make yourself accountable to the schedule for optimal benefits.
Track Progress Weekly
A person doesn't have to obsess about the scale on a daily basis, but do track measurements and weights on a weekly basis to track progress and encourage motivation, suggests Fit Watch. Weigh in weekly at the same time on a specific day of the week, and weigh in consistently. For example, weigh in naked or fully clothed, not switching off. Try weighing in the morning, before eating
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