Too Much Holiday Dessert Weighing You Down? Put Down the Fork & Pick Up That Kettle Bell

Mix It Up: Prevent boredom and plateaus by diversifying your workouts. Explore different exercises, classes, sports, or outdoor activities. Switching up your routine challenges your body and keeps your mind engaged. However, be sure to stay consistent with your training program fro at least four to six weeks before switching it up. Often times people make the mistake of having too much variety in their workout routines. There are two old sayings regarding this particular aspect the always hold true. The first is “If youre always doing something different, when do you have time for mastery?” The other quote is “Those who have the mosty variety in their workout routines, tend to be the weakest.” Allow your body enough time to adjust to the exercises and to develop the neuromuscular control necessary to increase volume (the amount of sets and resp) and load (the amount of weight).

Prioritize Nutrition: Remember, fitness isn’t just about exercise; it's also about nutrition. Fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated and be mindful of portion sizes.

Get Adequate Rest: Rest and recovery are as important as exercise. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to recover and repair. Listen to your body and take rest days to prevent overtraining and injury.

Stay Accountable: Find a workout buddy, join fitness communities, or use fitness apps to stay motivated and hold yourself accountable. Sharing your fitness journey with others can provide encouragement and support.

Track Your Progress: Keep track of your workouts, measurements, or achievements. Seeing progress, whether in strength gains, weight loss, or increased endurance, can be motivating and help you stay focused on your goals.

Be Kind to Yourself: Understand that setbacks happen. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a workout or indulge in a treat. Allow yourself grace and get back on track without dwelling on slip-ups.

Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Reward yourself for reaching milestones to reinforce positive behavior and maintain motivation. It's important to set S.M.A.R.T. goals before you begin your training. Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Timely. Try to set short-term goals that meet all of the criteria and focus on achieving one goal at a time. This will create both internal and external motivation and help to propel you forward.