If you managed to achieve any of last year's New Year’s resolutions, then we very much commend you. It's very easy to throw your good intentions off course and scupper your chances of shifting that weight, toning up those abs or getting your health and fitness in check.
At long last, a new year is nearly here, which is a great opportunity to think about what you really want to achieve and how you’re going to get there. What could get in your way of finally achieving your fitness goals this year - apart from yourself?
January 19th is considered to be the day that most of those fitness resolutions finally come to an abrupt end.
Around 80% of New Year resolutions to get fitter, healthier and more active end up failing before January is even out, and the reasons they fail seem to be pretty consistent across the nation.
We take a look at the most common reasons for fitness failure and what we can do to help put it right…
UNREALISTIC GOALS
Whilst most gym goers aim for an 'three times a week' approach to hitting the gym, or ‘eating a healthier diet’, some resolutions are just a little unrealistic. So, it’s no surprise when they fail before those overambitious results start to show.
We’ve heard plenty of unachievable (and unsafe!) resolutions in our time, from dropping a dress size to getting a six pack… these can be achieved, though not in timescale as short as a few weeks.
We recommend setting a specific fitness goal, it’s important to establish realistic timescales to achieve them. Ask yourself how much time you can devote to your fitness regime. And set your timescales around what's achievable in that time.
WINGING IT
A fitness goal with no plan is just you plodding away on the treadmill... literally, going nowhere fast!
Fitness first-timers and gym newbies often need a little guidance on getting to grips with gym equipment and understanding what they need to do to achieve their fitness goals.
If you feel like you can’t do it alone, expert personal trainers are on hand to whip you into shape with a wealth of knowledge and advice.
INSECURITIES
An ‘I can’t do it’ attitude is the fastest way to fail when it comes to fitness. If you don't think your body can handle it, you'll never push yourself to find out.
Many New Year’s resolutions fail because the motivation and self-belief wasn’t there to start with. This is where our expert personal trainers can also help. By motivating, inspiring and monitoring your progress, we'll push you that bit harder each time, to improve your flexibility, stamina and strength, to ensure the results start to show.
Lack Of Fun
Exercise shouldn’t be a chore. Though many gym members find that they quickly become bored of pounding the treadmill and working their way around the gym floor.
Group studio classes are a great option for music lovers, outdoor exercise is a fun alternative for those that hate being inside a hot gym and circuit training can really mix up a humdrum regime. It’s all about finding something you love!
GOING IT ALONE
As with any lifestyle change (quitting smoking, cutting down on the junk food or trying out a new hobby), if no-one knows you’re doing it, it's easy to quietly shy away from it!
So, when a new fitness regime starts to fall flat, it’s easy to throw the towel in when there’s no-one to be accountable to.
If you need a little motivation, try out one of our fitness classes from our jam-packed weekly schedules. From mind and body session such as yoga, pilates and tai chi, to dance inspired Zumba, calorie burning Body Pump and the latest immersive cycling experience from Les Mills. There's something for everyone. Plus, working out with others is a great way to maintain your healthy new lifestyle.
So armed with this fitness failure knowledge and the tools to overcome them, let’s take next year by the horns and pick up where we left off! This year we WILL smash our New Year’s fitness goals… watch this space.
How's your new year's resolution working out so far? Let us know!
