You’ve heard the phrase “Life is a Journey, not a Destination.” I’m going to stick with that word “journey” as I write to you about fitness is 2024. I believe words matter.
What are your fitness intentions for 2024?
I like the words habits, or intentions over resolutions for New Years. Resolutions feel like all or nothing. When we resolve to do something and it doesn’t go the way we planned, we tend to give up. But if we create a new habit or set intentions, we are more likely to stick with it.
Whatever your fitness intention is, I’d like to offer you SIX words to keep in mind to help you on this journey.
- Accountability
Some people are great at holding themselves accountable; I am not one of those people. I need someone to help hold me accountable. I like to have an accountability partner or do personal training sessions so that I know someone is expecting me. At Yin Yang, we require participants to register in advance (so we have enough equipment). That’s another way to be accountable – your instructor and your fellow participants will be expecting you!
- Community
If group classes are your thing, you know what a strong community can be created by challenging and sweating with a group of people. If you like the people in the class, you are much more likely to come to class consistently.
- Consistency
We often have people ask how many times a week they need to do Pilates. The best answer is seven days a week! More realistically, it’s three or four times. If you are only able to come once a week, that’s okay, but you have to make sure you come. The more often you work out, the more you will feel the results in your body. And if you make working out part of your routine, you will feel better. It doesn’t have to be an hour class, you can do five minutes of planking or stretching,
- Connection
Yesterday a client asked me why we were doing a certain exercise. I told her we needed to strengthen her glutes and increase her hip flexibility. She asked why that was important. When I connected the exercise to her every day life, she understood and was more motivated to keep going. The answer was that she needs strong glutes so her low back doesn’t get overworked and cause her pain. And she needs that flexibility so she can bend over and put on her shoes. Or if she falls, she can get up off the ground. Connection also means you need to connect your mind and your body when you exercise. Be mindful. Think about what you are doing as you do it.
- Acceptance
I know that sounds like a funny word for your fitness journey. Dr. Will Cole said you can’t heal a body you hate. While growth is undoubtedly essential, it’s equally crucial to start the year by embracing the person you are right now.
- Fun!
My last world for you is FUN! Fitness and exercise shouldn’t be a punishment, it should be fun! Pick something you enjoy doing. A friend just told me that she hates cardio so she bought herself a mini trampoline and is having so much fun putting on music and jumping.
