By Dr Sandeep Gore, Director-Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mulund
Every new year we typically make new resolutions. While making these resolutions is easy, sticking with them is difficult. Fitness-related resolutions make the top 10 list, but up to 80% of resolutions to be healthier, including promises to stay fit, are tossed aside by the end of the first quarter. Here are a few things you can do to sustain your fitness goals all through 2022.
CHOOSE A WORKOUT YOU ENJOY: Rather than opting for something that promises fast results but freaks you out more often, choose something more doable. If you love to run, then make a schedule for running every day for about 45 minutes to an hour. One can also indulge in running, swimming, jogging, brisk walking, cycling. But if you don’t like it, don’t do it. Forcing yourself to do a workout/program that you aren’t into will ascertain you breaking that promise.
TRY NEW WORKOUTS: If you get bored—or even if you love what you’re currently doing but are still down to try something new, consider trying something new. Whether it’s virtual or in-person, try a new type of workout that you haven’t done before. Not only might this make your routine a little more interesting, but it’ll challenge your body and muscle memory as well.
DOWNLOAD A FITNESS APP: From yoga to interval training to running, countless digital coaches are merely a swipe or two away for the cost of nothing at all. Plus, more and more boutique gyms are offering online streaming sessions so you can take your workout anywhere, even if it’s just the comfort of your living room. Before starting any vigorous training after 40 years, consult their physician first.
DON’T DEPEND ON THE WEIGHING SCALE TOO MUCH: Weight loss and weight gain should make you feel active and healthy, and if it doesn’t, then there is a problem. Factors like water retention and your menstrual cycle can make your weight fluctuate up to 10 pounds in a single day. There’s also the fact that muscle weighs more than fat, meaning you could be whittling your waist without seeing the needle on the scale move at all. But you’re not necessarily thinking that when you’re standing there looking at that unforgiving number. Instead, you might be blaming the nibble of chocolate you had the night before or vowing to double down on punishing workouts.
EAT HEALTHY AND DON’T INDULGE IN CRASH DIETS: Instead of depriving yourself of something you enjoy, be more mindful. Cut back, don’t cut out. Maybe for you, it’s sweets and chocolate, chaat items, or your nightly glass of wine. You need to allow those things in moderation. The idea is to have a reasonable sense of control without feeling deprived.
MAKING SMALL CHANGES: For instance, instead of taking an auto-rickshaw or a car to nearby places, take a walk. Use the stairs instead of the elevator at least for a few floors. Or even get into the practice of sweeping and mopping the floor.
TAKE TIME TO REST: Giving yourself a break is just as important to avoid burnout or injury. You might be tempted to throw yourself into a daily workout routine but easing your way into it will be more sustainable.
HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Having a positive helps gratitude is one of the quickest and most effective ways to increase happiness, manage depression, and cultivate resilience.
Remember, focusing on setting up smaller but attainable weekly goals will help you to achieve overall main health & stability.