Are you one of the nearly 40% of Americans who make a weight-related New Year’s resolution every year? At the Y, we believe that the key to making your resolution a reality is making it part of your everyday routine.
While forming a healthy habit may seem easier said than done, a team of YMCA wellness specialists compiled a list of five tried-and-true strategies to do just that:
1. Just show up.
Starting a fitness plan can be overwhelming and often discouraging—especially if you’re setting tough, lofty goals right from the start. It can also take several weeks of hard work before you begin to feel or notice the results of your new routine. You may go a day or two (or more) without exercising, and even on the days you do, your workout may not be everything you want it to be. The truth is even the best-laid fitness plans are going to fall short of perfection—and that’s totally OK.
Getting healthier is a lifelong goal that comes with lots of ups and downs, and when you think of it that way, our perceived “failures” aren’t so bad. Focus on establishing a routine that works for you, and when you’re at the gym, don’t worry too much about achieving the perfect workout. Having a resilient attitude and just showing up really is half the battle.
More Ways the Y Can Help
Download the full “Make it a Habit” guide for more
strategies to achieve your New Year’s resolution—or check out Healthier Together for inspirational member stories, a weekly basic exercise plan, and other great Y resources to get you started.
Every day, more than 20,000 people “just show up” at their local YMCA—more than any other wellness provider in Middle Tennessee. Get a free one-day YMCA membership and discover for yourself why we’re different. Visit the Clarksville Area YMCA at 260 Hillcrest Drive or call 931-647-2376 for more information.
