As the new year begins and the festivities draw to a close, it’s the perfect time to make some healthy lifestyle changes. Goodbye mince pies, pigs-in-blankets and mulled wine!
Whilst January is the most popular time to make such shifts in habits, we all know how hard it can be to stick to new year’s resolutions. Let the team at Better Body Group help you achieve and sustain your 2023 goals, ensuring that these choices are permanent and not just temporary measures, with these handy tips.
Accountability
Studies have shown that regularly training over a 6-week period makes you more likely to maintain your momentum and you will see improvements in both physical and mental health. We know that the best way to do this is by having someone to keep you accountable. Whether you work out with a friend, or train with one of our friendly team members, knowing you have to show up for someone else makes it easier to get the job done.
Realistic goals
In order to help you achieve your goals, make them SMART; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Ensure your goals are achievable, aiming to set short term targets to help you reach long term goals. For example, setting a rough goal of 50 pull ups with no progression or time frame may result in feeling demotivated after a couple of weeks. Instead, start by working toward 5- 10 really good technique-based reps, before upping it to 15 reps the next week. And then keep building up!
Prepare
Pre-planning your sessions can also be useful so that you are prepared and can manage your time effectively. We recommend you do this by booking a class or planning your workout beforehand. It can be intimidating when you’re surrounded by people and complicated looking machines but our friendly PT team are always on hand to help!
Celebrate
Don’t get hung up on how you look. Fat loss is a great goal to have, but don’t forget to celebrate the little victories and achievements along the way. If you ran even a little bit faster than last time or you were able to squat heavier, then that’s a great sign you’re going in the right direction. Your accomplishments will keep you motivated and help you fall in love with the process, which in turn will make it easier to stick to.
We here at Better Body Group understand that busy gyms can be a daunting place and it is very easy to fall into the trap of thinking ‘everyone is looking at me’, but rest assured, nobody is. Starting at a new gym can make some people feel slightly anxious, however we strive to make you feel as comfortable as possible whilst ensuring you reach your goals. It has been proven that the interactions between gym-goers and instructors result in people feeling more comfortable and returning, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or just return a smile!
Whilst January is deemed to be a month filled with doom and gloom, it is ultimately what you make of it. Remember, in order to lose any excess body fat acquired over the holiday season, you must be in a calorie deficit. So let’s get active, fuel ourselves with nutritious foods and try to avoid liquid calories. Maybe give ‘Dry January’ a go, who’s with us?
By Ayishah Chaudry. To book an appointment please call them on 01732 451979 or email them at info@betterbodygroup.co.uk.
