Are you ready to crush your fitness goals this year?
If so, you may have to trick your mind to reach them.
A quick dive online finds reports that say it can take anywhere from three weeks to more than 200 days to develop a new habit.
You may have started working out at the gym in January and began preparing your meals ahead of time, which is a terrific way to manage what you eat.
But don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results right away, says Ricky Ali, a personal trainer at Shula’s Athletic Club.
He recommends setting S.M.A.R.T goals, for both short and long term objectives, to keep yourself on track.
S.M.A.R.T is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely goals, a business management system attributed to both the late Peter Drucker and educator George T. Doran.
“It took a long time to get out of shape,” Ali said. “You will achieve your goals, but be smart and patient. Think of establishing a consistent, lifelong healthy lifestyle habit.”
He also said it is unrealistic to expect to lose excess weight in a month, and that quick weight loss can be unhealthy.
Going to the gym or following an exercise routine is a major key to fulfilling your fitness goals, and developing habits that support your workouts is very important as well.
Every little thing counts.
“[Being] consistent, weekly organizing and planning your meal shopping, planning and organizing your workout clothes, your water bottle or anything (will all contribute to fitness),” Ali said.
Something as minor as laying out your workout gear can motivate you to actually go to the gym before or after work.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself.
Training too aggressively can cause injuries.
Start slowly and create that routine.
“Establishing a foundation for success is key,” Ali said.