Start strong: 5 Reasons to kickstart your fitness journey NOW
On my morning walk last week, I started thinking about the January gym rush. Every year, we vow to get healthier, only to bow out after a month or two. Why not start now? Instead of doing what we do every year, let’s kickstart that fitness journey and leap into the new year feeling confident, strong, and ready for whatever! Here are a few more reasons why starting your workout plan NOW is the key to a happier, healthier you!
Holiday Hustle vs Your Fitness Goals
One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the parties. Social gatherings, work parties, family events—I’m here for almost all of it (let’s be honest). But what I don’t love are the increased opportunities to eat like an a**hole. And let’s face it, willpower is not buying that family-sized (single serving in my case) bag of salt and vinegar kettle chips your favorite snack so you don’t eat it at 10 pm.
By beginning our fitness journey now, you can establish a routine that can withstand the holiday chaos. Don’t let the festivities derail your goals. Incorporate your workouts into your daily routine now to set the stage for a healthy and active holiday season.
Start Slow & Build Consistency
Starting now, today, this week, allows you to build consistency and make exercise a non-negotiable part of your routine. I’m currently walking about 3 miles, 4 to 5 days during the week, but I started with 2 miles twice a week, and it’s been a game changer for me as far as how I feel in my body and reducing chronic pain. Imagine starting your plan slowly, now. By the time January rolls around, you’ll already have a solid foundation, making it easier to stick to the plan in the new year. The MOST important part of your fitness journey is consistency. Consistency leads to lasting results, and beginning now gives you a head start to success in the new year!
“The most important part of your fitness journey is consistency.”
Dont Get Crushed by the January Gym Rush
January is notoriously known for the dreaded gym rush. There’s an influx of new gym rat hopefuls, eager to get in the best shape of their lives. O.G. gym-heads know that November & December are, hands down, the BEST months of the year to go to the gym. It’s often empty, so no lines, no wait. It’s glorious. You’re welcome.
If you’re new to the gym, it’s the perfect time to get acquainted with the equipment so you don’t feel rushed. If you’re a seasoned gym rat, you already know how “in the zone” it can be, just you and your headphones and your weights (and a mirror, lol). Oh, and did I mention that many gyms start their New Year’s sale early? That means you can score your membership for a discount and likely renew while the discount is in effect in subsequent years. Cha-ching.
Beat the Winter Blues with Happy Hormones
We all know that the colder months are associated with a decline in mood and energy levels. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD (perfect right!) is a type of depression that is associated with certain seasons of the year. It most often occurs in the fall and winter months. Aaaand it’s thought to be caused by the shorter days and less sunlight available during those seasons.
By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you’re doing your part to combat the winter blues. Physical activity helps you stay positive and motivated by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Not only is movement good for the body, it’s great for the brain as well.
Be a Short -Term Goal Getter
Instead of waiting around for January to get here and then setting unrealistic, out-of-touch, and lofty goals. How about we give ourselves some grace and start now by setting small, attainable goals that have a low threshold for failure? This lets us have the initial success to stick it out until these new activities become habitual. Achieving short-term goals keeps you motivated in the long term, and like I said before, consistency is the most important part of the plan.
Now It’s on YOU
Carpe diem, people! Don’t wait until midnight on January 1st to begin your fantastic fitness journey. Empower yourself physically and mentally. By starting now, not only will you avoid the pitfalls of this holiday season, but you’ll also build a strong foundation for a happier and healthier new year. Embrace the power of today and prioritize yourself for once! Get ready to stroll into the new year with the strength (literally), confidence, and radiance of an empowered spirit.
Don’t know where to start? –> YOUR PRE-NEW YEAR FITNESS KICKSTART: A 4-WEEK ACTION PLAN