The NYE Resolution We All Have: To Get Fit Again

I know we all say it. Its time to get back into that routine.  I’m going to start going back to the gym, once its 2012.  I’m going kick that gyms ass like it never knew before. OK, maybe not that far, but I know I definitely feel my jeans a little tighter after taking a 4 month hiatus from the gym.  I started a new job and had trouble adjusting the the schedule, needless to say the first thing to be cut from my daily routine list was the gym and cardio barre classes.  Who had time (or energy) for that?  And now, here I sit writing an article to hustle myself into getting back to the gym.

So to help myself really, I have created this list of points to think about when starting a new years resolution work out plan.  I know its a struggle. I seriously hate the gym when I’m not going, but once I’m there, I’m fine and love the fact that I’m actually doing something active.  So let me motivate you a little bit. And if that doesn’t work, let me inform you that bikini season is only 4-6 months away, and it will creep up on you faster than you know it.  Is your heart pumping yet? Good. Now get reading.

1.  Get yourself some new workout gear.  Hey, who am I kidding?  Shopping for new running shoes sure motivates me, it doesn’t work for you?  How about checking out the workout wear you hope to buy two months from now after you’ve been working out for a while? There. I made it a goal for you.  In two months, you can get yourself a new cute pair of Capri’s to run in.

Check out these cute colorful sport bra’s (above) you can get a Target. These are a guilty work-out associated pleasure of mine.  They’re comfy, cheap, and from one of my favorite stores to visit when I’m bored, Target. Just $16.99 online and in stores!

2. Start stretching at home so you don’t pull an embarrassing muscle while at the gym.  I’m guilty of this. I go to the gym bright-eyed and bushy tailed in my new gear, and get pumped to do a great workout. I kick ass running and then hit the elliptical for an added calorie burn.  And when I wake up the next day I feel like I’m 90 years old need to sponge bathed.  You need to stretch.  And if your getting older (I’m talking to you people in their thirties and up), your flexibility is going to quickly disappear if you don’t try to maintain some of it.  Keeping flexible makes you feel better and will better prepare your muscles for a workout.  I happen to stretch on my living room floor while watch tv.  Sure the dog continues to jump on me while I’m huffing and puffing, but nothing is worse that a pulled muscle and trying to recover while on a “hitting the gym” streak.

3. Refresh the iPod with some new tunes.  I love new music. I actually rely on my boyfriend to find alot of the good stuff.  He has a really good ear and I usually make a copy of whatever he gets.  New music always motivates me at  the gym.  If it makes me want to get up and dance or move around the house then it will work.  I generally have a mix of electronic music like house or progressive with some pop or rock in there.  I will also usually only listen to a few songs as a time and listen to them to death until I have killed it.  When I get bored I create a new play list and grab a few different songs to run my heart out to.  Just make sure it isn’t a song you want to sing with, because you will lose your breath while running.

4. Find what visually motivates you.  I know what works for me, a couple of fitness magazines and seeing everyone in a two peice.  I used to keep pictures from different workout magazines along with different workout ideas to motivate me when I worked out in my room when I had roommates.  Seeing a six pack motivates me.  Seeing it daily reminds me even more. A good photo of my gut hanging out will do the trick also. Hey, its whatever works for YOU.  It doesn’t need to be a photo for you, but maybe a picture of an outfit you want to fit into.  Or a gift you plan to get yourself when you reach your fitness goal.  Just find something that you can look forward to and be sure to use it.

5.  Get a partner to work out with, or tell everyone your goal forcibly committing yourself anyways.  Having a actual workout partner works best, but I have also relied on the pride method as well.  I rave about my recent work outs when I’m on a roll and suddenly I fall out of routine and have difficulty getting back into it. And then what happens? Someone asks about the class I always take. Gulp.  Class? Oh uh, yea……its going fine (without me)…what about you?  What are YOU up to?  When you cannot find one friend to summon up enough energy to work out with you, or your schedule stinks so no one can come with, tell your friends what you plan is and ask them to ask you about it so you force yourself. I like to keep my word. Even if it means driving my butt to the gym because I told someone I’m going for the 4th time this week!!!!

6. Pat yourself on the back for the small accomplishments and know the big ones will come.  Be realistic about your fitness expectations.  Don’t think your going to drop a ton immediately and bum out on the couch with container of pringles to mope.  Getting back into shape can feel like hell in the beginning. Your weak, or your sore.  You feel gross. I get it.  But with each minute you add on the treadmill and every additional squat you do, you are getting closer to your goal. Those darn jeans from last  year. It’s gonna happen, just give yourself the time to build up a routine and fit back into those favorite clothes of yours.

Is that enough to get you pumped for 2012?  What ideas have you come up with to help get back into your fitness routine?  Or what obstacles are you trying to beat?  Lets helps each other out!