Why wait until January to start on your resolutions? You can get a month’s head start of everyone else if you start now! Here are some lifestyle changes you can start right away if you’re looking to improve your health and wellness in the New Year.

Plan Ahead

Even if you’re not quite ready to take action just yet, at least get started on the planning stage. Give some serious thought about what your resolution is. Define a specific goal you want to achieve, whether it’s losing X amount of weight, increasing the amount of weight you can lift, or shaving minutes off your mile time. Try to determine a realistic timeline for your goal. You can also set milestones along the way. Lastly, you should come up with a method on how you will track your progress.

Get to the Gym Now!

When it comes to fitness, showing up is half the battle. Oftentimes the most difficult challenge when implementing a fitness lifestyle change is finding the motivation. We’re at odds with our own mind – to go to the gym or be lazy. Remember, the only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen. It’s best practice to dedicate certain days/times in your schedule for your exercise routine. It’ll be easier to hold yourself accountable if you set time aside each week.

Once you’ve made the commitment to a new or refreshed exercise routine, now is the perfect time to get a head start on your resolutions! The fitness center will be far less crowded than it will in January, and it’ll be easier to get a spot in your favorite group fitness class. Besides, January 1st is just an arbitrary date that helps people commit to new behavior. The same can still work for Dec. 1st or whenever you want. Just be sure to track your progress and stay motivated!

Don’t Forget About Your Diet

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight, which can be achieved through a combination of diet and exercise. While it can be difficult to get to the gym, it’s just as easy to forget about healthy eating. Some things you can do right away is make sure you consume more fruits and veggies with each meal or as snacks, cut down on added sugars (read those nutrition labels!), and consume “cheat” foods in moderation. Try to avoid dichotomous thinking, and labeling foods as either “good” or “bad.” That can negatively our relationship with food, and increase guilt associated with eating certain foods. A healthy approach to eating centers on eating to satisfaction and being mindful of what you consume.

Don’t Go It Alone

Any lifestyle change can be daunting. However, you don’t have to go it alone. Find a workout buddy, support group, or work with a professional to ensure you accomplish your goals, no matter what time of the year it is. If you’re about to embark on a new fitness journey, we would encourage you to at least consult with an LSF personal trainer and see if it’s right for you!

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