A new year is a blank slate. A chance to make and keep promises to yourself and maybe also to those you love by being present. One promise you can count on is that having a regular fitness routine leads to a life of independence. This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours lifting weights or running endless miles each week. You can start and maintain a regular fitness routine with the right mindset and a good pair of trainers.
Start small
If you’ve never exercised or haven’t done so in a while, consult your medical professional first. Once you get the green light, start with simple moves on a regular schedule to form a habit. This can be meeting a friend for a walk, trying a simple chair yoga routine, or practicing balance moves such as lifting one foot at a time off the ground, holding for 10 seconds and repeating with the other foot. Start by holding onto a chair or wall then, when you are comfortable, try it on your own. You can also practice sit-to-stand moves where you squat to sit into a chair then using your core muscles, stand back up.
Try group fitness
We’re more likely to stick to a fitness routine if we have a buddy. Group fitness classes not only offer a variety of formats to keep you moving, but they also offer a social opportunity to move with others who share your goal of living a healthy lifestyle. Taking a class from a certified fitness instructor, rather than working out alone at home, also provides a chance to ask questions and ensure that you are doing the moves correctly to prevent injury.
Set a monthly fitness goal
Instead of saying, “I’m going to the gym every day” try setting smaller goals that might be more realistic. Perhaps that looks like doing some wall pushups while waiting for your morning coffee to brew, adding steps to your regular walking routine, or doing some gentle yoga stretching before bed each night. Small habits can lead to lasting change.
Tracy Dumas, Director of Marketing & PR for The Alaska Club.
