This new year we are taking charge of our fitness goals. That means waking up early to head to the gym and spending that extra time to cool down post-workout. The start of the new year often comes with momentum to workout and get active. However, often that momentum to workout can wear out as the year goes on, but with the right mindset, you can make 2020 the year that your fitness goals stick. So, if you’re trying to make getting active and in shape, a year-long goal, here is how you can go about it:
Get the right clothes
Ever heard the saying “look good, feel good”? Well, that applies to working out. If I leave the house in a super cute workout fit, I’m almost guaranteed to have a better workout. I don’t know how that works, but it does. Going beyond just looking good in your workout clothes, it’s essential to feel good in them. There are so many different types of workout clothes, from fabrics to designs, so it’s important to find one that works for you.
Create a schedule
Because “winging it” in the gym can only last so long. Creating a schedule of which days you’ll work what parts of your body ensures you’ll have a routine that you stick to every week. It also ensures that you don’t overwork the same parts of your body and get a full-body workout done each week.
Drink water
If you’re working out hard enough, water is an absolute necessity. Drinking enough water throughout the day- working out or not- is super important to your health. But it’s even more critical the more active you are. The goal is to drink at least two liters of water a day, but you know how the saying goes- the more, the merrier.
Find the right music
A good workout is always coupled with good music. I mean, there’s a reason why people don’t typically work out to classical music. Finding the right music to motivate and excite you for a workout is ideal. If you create the right playlist, you might just start looking at your workout as something you look forward to.
Eat before and after
Eating healthy is just as important as working out. And that is why it’s crucial to fuel your body before and after a workout. Although some people prefer to work out on an empty stomach, it’s best to have at least something in your stomach to reduce the chances of feeling fatigued. Eat something small at least 30 minutes before your workout, like a banana or smoothie, and something more filling when you finish, like a meal or a protein shake.
Keep track of your progress
Whether that’s taking body progress pics, documenting your progress in an app, or writing notes in a journal- keeping track of your gym progress is vital. You might not realize how much progress you’ve made unless you actually see it yourself. Keeping track of things is also a great way to figure out what workouts you like/dislike and what works best for your body.
Warm-up/cool down
It’s important to build in the time to warm up and cool down with every workout. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated, but warming up before a workout ensures your body is ready and less prone to injury. And coming down after a workout is crucial to reduce your heart and breathing rates. Simple stretching will do the trick.
