It’s easy to get swept up in annual resolution making when the new year comes around. Every January we hear from and meet with people who have set ambitious goals for themselves, who then unfortunately fall off the good-habit train not long thereafter. No matter how well intended a resolution or goal may be, if it’s not rooted in realistic, achievable, and healthy habits, it’s not going to last.
As we finish out the month of January, it’s important to remember that the key to a stronger, healthier year ahead is not a list of remarkable goals, but rather a positive attitude and the determination to not let minor setbacks throw you off the path.
With sustainable habits in mind, members of our Group Fitness Instructor Team came together to create the following list of tips for maintaining a healthy routine throughout the year, no matter where you are in your wellness journey.
Tips for Longstanding Healthy Habits:
Find your fitness family.
Take a class with a friend, talk to instructors in person or online, and generally make connections with the people around you. Explore the programs that leave you feeling good and connect you to the teachers that you like. Working out with a buddy is always more fun, and you’re far more likely to enjoy the workout itself if you’re doing it with people you like to be with. Take a look at our group fitness classes!
Move around for 30 minutes a day at a minimum.
Not every workout needs to be strenuous. Walking counts, light cardio counts, whatever feels good for you that day is fine, as long as you’re moving for at least half an hour each day. The most important part of creating a stable routine is a schedule that is realistic.
“Find the mat” every day.
Even if you only have two minutes to spare, making time for child’s pose, or your favorite yoga position every day can have a real impact. Remember to take your breath with you throughout the day as well. Incorporating breathwork off the mat with the stressors that arise in daily life can help ensure you remain levelheaded even in challenging situations. Making time each day to allow mind and body to power down can be truly transformational.
Put some weight behind your routine.
Weight-bearing exercises are particularly important to improve bone density. You don’t have to lift a heroic amount to feel the benefits of using weights. Just remember that strength conditioning using weights is an important part of any weekly exercise routine.
Be mindful of how you eat, not just what you are eating.
Eating slowly and calmly helps us maintain good portion control and ensures proper digestion. During the course of a meal, eating the protein first, then vegetables, followed by carbohydrates, helps give your body the fuel you need to function and keeps you fuller for longer. For some, breaking up meals into 4-6 smaller meals/snacks throughout the day can also help keep the body fueled and assist in weight loss.
Act with discipline over motivation.
Motivation is great, but motivation can change or wane over time – being disciplined will keep you doing the things you set out to do even when you’re not in the mood. It helps some people to group a new habit with one they are already doing. For example, if you want to start regularly doing pushups, you could do them right before you get into the shower so you know exactly when the new habit will fit into your routine and can get used to pushups becoming a regular step in the showering process.
Finally, always keep the big three in mind: Prioritize good sleep! Getting good sleep is crucial for your overall health, it is also a key ingredient to losing weight. Drink plenty of water! The health benefits of staying hydrated – both for body and mind – simply cannot be overstated. Be kind to yourself. Don’t judge your body, instead thank your body for moving. When we work on what’s inside, we feel better on the outside as well.
For more healthy habits and wellness tips, or to connect with a member of our fitness team, please reach out to fitness@jccgb.org.
