The joy of a New Year brings with it fresh hope, fresh inspiration and fresh enthusiasm for getting fit and healthy – but only 12% of people keep up their New Year’s resolutions, according to research from the University of Hertfordshire. If you want to get serious about fitness, avoid becoming a statistic by side-stepping these seven mistakes -
 

1. Moving the goalposts (or forgetting to set them to begin with)
Weak goals = weak results. Yes, in fitness, as in life – the hard work is what gets you where you want to be. But before you can even start, you need to know where you’re going.

Set a serious goal for yourself by deciding -
a) What? Get specific about what you want to achieve. If it’s a big goal, break it down into bitesize goals and work on those first.
b) When? Set a time period – how long will you give yourself to do achieve your goal (be realistic!)
c) How? This is the bit many people forget – what action do you need to take to get that goal underway?

Make sure you don’t waver by writing down your goals and sticking them somewhere you can see them every day – by the fridge, next to your trainers, by your bed…

2. Keeping it all to yourself – Making fitness a solo project
Prepare to buddy up! There are great benefits to teaming up with a friend, relative or partner in a new fitness activity – for one, it’s much harder to let down someone else than to quietly “forget” to go for a walk, run or swim. By working together, you’ll have on-hand motivation, inspiration and someone to share your frustrations with. By coaching each other through the tough bits, you’ll also strengthen your relationship with one another.

3. Idle chatter – Talking action rather than taking action
Sadly, talking about goals won’t make them take root. Sharing your excitement should be a natural side-effect of the great steps you’re taking towards a healthier, happier, fitter you… but it is in no way, an alternative. Put that enthusiasm into real, tangible steps towards your goal. Gather information and/or equipment that will help you get you moving – or better yet, visualise how fantastic you’ll feel when you reach that goal!

4. Powering towards burnout – Pushing too hard, too fast
“I’m going to get fit and I’m going to do it now!” It’s exhilarating when you’re truly excited about a new fitness routine but remember to build things up slowly and steadily. Yes, do try Boxercise, Zumba, Salsacise, Aerobics and Combat… just don’t try and do them all in the same week! Add new activities gradually and you’re more likely to keep them going well into the New Year.

5. Accepting boredom – Failing to work out outside the box
Fitness is not a case of “one size fits all” and you’re much more likely to keep up an activity or routine that you enjoy. So be honest with yourself – what kind of activities really feel good to you? If you don’t know, start out by trying the things that interest you. Some people really, genuinely love getting sweaty in the gym, but if that’s not you, remember you don’t have to get on the treadmill by default! Some great alternatives to a gym workout include outdoor activities (cycling, walking, running), water activities (aqua aerobics, swimming, water polo), group sports (badminton, tennis, football), group exercise (aerobics, dance classes)… the list is as long as you make it! Keep an open mind and you’ll be amazed what your body can do.

6. Assuming fit and healthy people don’t reward themselves
They do! But don’t assume those rewards are food-related – the simplest and best way to reward yourself is to praise yourself for each step you ace along the way, from the big ones (“I cycled an extra mile today, awesome!”) to the everyday ones (“I really didn’t feel in the mood to go to the gym today, but I still went anyway”). It might sound strange to mentally high-five your efforts, but each of those moments is taking you one step closer to your fitness goals.

Other great fitness rewards include -

• downloading fresh workout music to get you moving
• picking up a copy of a good health & fitness magazine
• buying a book about your favourite sport
• “me time” – time out to chill out and relax
• treating yourself to a new fitness item of clothing or equipment

7. Waving off the finish line – Giving up before getting your goal
Maybe you fell off the wagon. Maybe your fitness buddy was sick one week and you thought “missing one week won’t hurt”. Maybe you’re feeling frustrated that you’re not seeing results just yet. But that doesn’t mean you should stop – or worse – give up… It’s okay to start again. Better than that, it’s fantastic to start again! You can feel good in the knowledge that you’re taking an active role in achieving your goals and working towards a fitter, healthier you. Don’t let a bad week throw you off. Pick it up again – get moving! Make this year YOUR year. You can do it!