With a new year comes the opportunity for a fresh start, and the areas of exercise and wellness are no exception. The new year is a great time to commit to a healthier lifestyle, and that doesn’t have to mean resigning yourself to time in a crowded gym with tons of other well-meaning people. Here are eight attainable fitness resolutions you can easily make time for, no matter what your lifestyle is currently like.
1. Train for a 5K
No matter how fast or slow you might be, anyone can take up running; you just have to give it time. Even if you’re new to running, this is a realistic goal to go after with a beginner-friendly, run-walk approach like Couch to 5K.
2. Hold a Plank
If you’ve been longing for a stronger core, planks are the way to go. With consistency, you can build up to a 90- to 120-second plank, and visible abs will be yours in no time.
3. Drink More Water
There are so many reasons to kick your soda habit and start drinking more water. In addition to staying well-hydrated, drinking up to eight glasses of water a day will help you get clearer skin, feel more energized, and lose weight. Start by simply bringing a refillable bottle to keep at work, and opt for water when dining out.
4. Walk More
Walking is excellent exercise that tends to be overlooked until you’re doing more of it. Whether it’s by taking your dog out for longer regular walks or walking to the store that’s just a few blocks away instead of driving, every bit counts.
5. Eat More Fruit
Eating more fruit is always less daunting than committing to eating more vegetables. Fruit can more easily replace refined sugar when cravings hit, so start stocking up your fridge and getting your blender ready.
6. Try a Fitness Class
Look, it’s a pandemic, and for most of us there is no group fitness. But that shouldn’t stop you. There’s a ton of stuff online. You just have to poke around and look. There are also some dynamite fitness professionals with fantastic apps and for a very small amount of money you
have access to their entire fitness library. Specifically Jillian Michaels. But beyond that there are some other options.
Whether it’s Orangetheory, SoulCycle, or just a local yoga class, commit to finally trying it at least once. As an added bonus, some gyms and studios let you try your first session for free.
7. Get More Sleep
Always easier said than done, but the benefits of committing to getting better sleep, from having more energy to boosting your immunity, are endless. Take steps to get to bed earlier at night, from winding down with yoga to banishing electronics from your bedroom.
8. Start Working Out in the Morning
Everyone knows evening workouts are much easier to bail on, especially if it’s dark out or if something more appealing, like happy hour, pops up. By getting up in time to work out with the morning sunrise, you’ll set the stage for a successful day and can enjoy evening social commitments guilt-free.