Turn Your New Years Resolution into a Habit

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  The New Year is right around the corner, the holiday goodies are dwindling down, and the New Years Resolutions are being made.  With the many benefits of exercise, its no wonder getting fit is such a common New Years Resolution.  To name a few benefits, exercise: 

• Controls body weight
• Strengthens muscles
• Improves the cardiovascular system
• Benefits mood
• Provides socialization
• And many, many more…

If you are like me, you always start the year off with the best intentions.  The first couple of weeks go great, but then the busyness of life sets in and suddenly those resolutions get put on the back burner.  The CDC recommends adults should get 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening exercise 2 or more days per week.² Here are some ideas for turning your New Years Resolution into a habit.

1. Commit to a regular schedule and write it down. Set your alarm if you have to.  Get into the habit of exercising the same times each week and write it into your schedule.  Set aside specific time to spend on exercise.
2. Make it a date with a friend. You wouldn’t cancel dinner plans with a friend would you?  Make exercise plans with a friend to keep each other accountable.
3. Do activities that you enjoy. You are more likely to continue doing something if it is meaningful and fun.  If you enjoy being outside, go for a walk.  If you don’t enjoy lifting weights in a gym, avoid using that as a form of exercise.
4. Do a variety of activities. Don’t do the same thing each time you exercise.  If you walk on Monday, then go for a swim on Wednesday, and do Pilates on Friday.  It will keep your body guessing and keep you from getting bored with your exercise routine.
5. Schedule a consultation with Live Your Life. Live Your Life provides a variety of services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, personal training, dietitian, and health coaching to help you get started.

Don’t let your New Years Resolution be short-lived.  Live Your Life is here to help you turn exercise into a habit!

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2017!

Briana Felton, B.A., SPT

Administrative Assistant

Live Your Life™
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Briana Felton graduated magna cum laude from Augsburg College with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology.  She is currently working towards her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at St. Catherine University.  She is passionate about helping others achieve their maximum mobility, function, and quality of life.  Personally, Briana enjoys being active outdoors, including hiking, paddle boarding, running, and playing sports.

References

¹ Health Center for Exercise. http://www.moveforwardpt.com/exercise/ Accessed on December 22, 2016.

² Physical Activity Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm Accessed on December 22, 2016.