The Trick to Resolutions That Stick

It's always about this time of year that the streets are awash with joggers and new fitness enthusiasts, eager to suddenly improve their body.  But by February about half of them have gone.
As someone who runs quite regularly (in addition to my Martial Arts and general fitness training) I find this really interesting. Why do so few people maintain their fitness goals for the New Year?

Studies show that much of it has to do with the psychology of how you think about self-improvement. In this case deciding to go running or suddenly play sports is commendable but doing it as part of a 'New Year's Resolution' means that sub-consciously we already know it's not going to last. It’s like a yearly tradition of a few weeks exercise followed by a year of feeling guilty for not carrying on.

Instead, think of this period as a time for New Year’s ‘change’. Change implies something beneficial and long term – exactly what any good fitness plan should be. It also doesn't mean that you rush out and start to run 5 miles a day if you have rarely done any before. This is a fast way to ruin any exercise goals. Instead check out ‘Couch To 5K’; a great little plan, proven to make getting started easier for beginners:

Free Podcast and links here
(This is from the UK NHS. I have no affiliation, but the Couch To 5K plan is well documented for its success)

Small manageable changes are far more likely to be maintained and successful for long term health than large difficult adjustments. You can also find out more about this and many more tips in my best-selling book ‘Fitness Hacks’ here:

http://bit.ly/OHpkcr

And as a bonus it’s free for 24 hours so grab your copy now!

Here’s to change in the new year, for a fitter, healthier and happier you!
Have a good one

- Phil