Thursday, February 2, 2017

Don't Break Your New Year's Resolution: Keeping Fit The Right Way


"I am going to be fit this year."
"I am going to eat clean and workout."
"I am going to lose weight and get back in shape." 

Who hasn't put this one resolution on their list for 2017? Year after year, the top two New Year's resolutions made are to 1. to get fit, and 2. to lose weight. If either of those is on your to-do list, good for you! Keeping fit is vital and you should not be putting it off until next month or heck, next year. If however, your motivation levels have already drastically dropped you're probably doing this whole fit life wrong. The scramble to lose weight and get fit in the beginning of the year is always a given, and the gym industry reaps all the benefits. But did you know that 4% of new gym goers don't even make it past the end of January and 14% drop out in February? Do you wanna be part of this percentage? I didn't think so! I've been there before myself and yes you save gym money which you can spend on clothes and food, but in the long-run, you know you would have been better off working out with no drop outs. With this in mind, today I bring you 5 tips which massively help me staying focused and motivated!


1. HAVE FUN
Fun is where it is at! Getting fit and being healthy isn't a quick fix, it is all about lifestyle choices and you're only going to keep at it if you're enjoying what you're doing. In the past, I HATED going to the gym and instead liked doing workout DVDs at home. I was self-conscious about my body and did not enjoy being surrounded by sweaty people. At the time this worked out fine for me but it soon got pretty boring doing the same routines over and over again. Last year I tried my first gym classes (Zumba, body pump and dance fitness) and I was hooked. I tried the gym again and fell in love with the combination of classes and weights, especially after seeing such good results, and I have not stopped since! Working out doesn't need to be going to the gym, it can be going for a swim in your local leisure centre, joining a dance class, going for a walk, or a combination of all of these; basically, anything that gets you moving. Trying out different things is key; it's the only way you're going to find something you truly love and not want to give it up after 2 weeks!

2. GO SHOPPING
Nothing motivates me more (ok that may be a stretch but still) than wanting to break in my new workout wear. No matter which shop you go into, the high street is completely covered in workout wear gear at the moment and it's so hard resisting it all. Why not treat yourself to that gorgeous sports bra or some cool new leggings? And best yet, you don't need to be spending a fortune. I love shopping for gym clothes at Matalan where quality is amazing and prices are low compared to the likes of Nike and Adidas, as well as Primark because if you haven't yet seen their range for this year you are seriously missing out! I need all the pretty Disney water bottles in my life.

3. BUDDY UP
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen mum and I pop up on your feed rocking our sweaty looks after an intense Zumba session. Mum, unfortunately, has had to quit the gym due to a foot problem and I really miss having her with me at the gym! Watching each other dance around was a lot of fun, especially when she got the steps of the routine wrong. Similarly, when doing weights and talking to each other made time go by faster and it meant we were enjoying our time together whilst burning those calories. Which is why bringing a friend with you to the gym or to that Zumba class you desperately want to try can really help. It also makes the experience, if you're going for the first time, a lot less frightening.


4. GO THE EXTRA MILE
What I mean by that is there may be days when you can't exactly get your butt down to the gym. Instead of doing absolutely nothing why not exit the tube one or 2 stations prior to your final destination and walking from there? I personally do this even on gym days. Not only am I saving money from having to pay the DLR fare, I am exercising on the way to work and on the way home. The 30-minute walk every day adds to the calories I am burning and it means I don't have to do as much cardio as I usually would have done, leaving me more time to work on weights and squatting because #legdayeveryday 

5. FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE
I've left this one for last but I truly think it is the most important one. Finding the right balance is crucial as you do not want to find yourself missing out on life. At the beginning, I was so paranoid that if I for some reason had to miss a class, the guilt would make me seriously depressed. When my body just couldn't take it anymore, given I had overworked it for an extended period of time, I realised the importance of rest days (yes plural not singular!). I also realised that I needn't be working out every single day because truth be told ain't nobody got time for that. I didn't want to miss out on going out with friends for dinner Friday night, or dinner dates with the fiancé. I also did not want to order a salad every time I ate out. This is where this balancing concept comes into play. As I mentioned at the start, leading a healthy life is a lifestyle choice, it should not feel like a chore. Treating yourself wisely once in a while is important and your body will thank you. It is so much easier to keep doing things right when you treat yourself than denying yourself of a cheat day for so long and eventually falling off the bandwagon so hard.

What are your tips for keeping focused and motivated? Let me know below!
Thanks for reading beauties!

xoxo


*Contains sponsored links. All opinions are my own (disclaimer here).
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35 comments

  1. Very good tips dear! I start few days ago walk more then usually and I don't eat sweets(I hope for long)

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  2. Love this. I haven't signed up to a gym, but my hubby is a personal trainer. He helps me and is quite tough on me which is painful but good.

    Mich x
    https://michjosephblog.wordpress.com

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  3. I think finding a balance that works for you is crucial!! Thank you for sharing these points

    Candice | Beauty Candy Loves

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  4. Brilliant tips! I think I have found the balance now, I eat healthy then I can have a treat. I work out when I can and I'm always walking about!

    Really helpful post hun, I'm sure it's going to help loads of people!

    Fix Me In Forty Five - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
    Blog Lovin' // Instagram
    xx

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  5. I love this post, I have recently been using the buddy system and it has definitely helped my motivation. I am so competitive so it makes me work that bit harder as well too boot. I love the idea of going the extra mile as well, for me that's taking the stairs instead of the escalator but hey every little counts, right? Thanks for sharing, such an awesome post. Saved! Hope you have a great day xxx

    ALittleKiran | Bloglovin

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  6. Happy to hear the being healthy is going great for you, unfortunately, I also wanted to do this but I gave up as soon as my Graduation picture was done, I don't have a goal right now but since graduation ball was approved it seems like I hove to get back on track. Wish me luck :)

    Capturing Life Memoirs | aimeebustillo.com

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  7. Great tips lady! I'm not doing anything to be fit at the moment... 😅
    Have a fab day sweetie!
    www.travelera.es

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  8. perfect!

    NEW BLOG ! please follow me : YOUNG BLOG

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  9. This is the month I'm going to rejoin the gym! Or at least start walking in the evenings!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  10. For me, working out with friends and not being too strict with myself is what makes it work! x

    Ariadna || RAWR BOWS

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  11. Great post!!!
    Kisses
    Marta

    www.lagattarosablog.it

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  12. Ótimas dicas para quem, tal como eu, ainda não conseguiu arranjar uma rotina de exercício físico perfeita! Comprar roupa de exercício físico é, sem dúvida, uma grande motivação para mim :)
    Kiss, Mariana Dezolt
    Messy Hair, Don’t Care

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  13. Oddly enough, my resolution this year is to loose that guilty feeling I have every time I eat something 'bad', but I still really enjoy these tips and I particularly agree with the point 2, having an outfit in which we feel confident is so important and yet so often underrated!

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

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  14. Having fun on my workouts is definitely one of the most important deciding factors as to whether I stick to a regime or not. I'm loving all the tips you've got here, Pam, thanks for sharing!

    MAY | WWW.THEMAYDEN.COM

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  15. thanks for sharing!
    when people ask me about motivation in staying fit I normally tell something about patience and waiting for being fit and healthy becomes your second nature. It's all about choices. But in the end of a day I do understand people want miracle, not hard work.

    Lyosha
    Inside and Outside Blog

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  16. Oh no, hope your moms foot heals fast cos having a gym companion is the best motivator. You seem to have a great relationship with her, awesome! I haven't been at the gym lately but you inspire me to get up and go!

    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/

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  17. I have started the gym many times but I always fail to keep going! Finding the balance is definitely a helpful tip :)

    Sarah | What Sarah Writes

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  18. Such good tips! I feel like having fun and having a workout buddy definitely makes working out 100% more motivating! Thanks for sharing Pam! x

    TOUCHOFGS // BLOGLOVIN 

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  19. I agree with going the extra mile! Back when I was working in Malaysia and was taking the train, I always walk from home or office from the train station. It definitely helped me staying fit!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  20. oh yes, this is such a motivating post and yes, I'm still in the gym and so proud of it :D But I knew that before since I went to the gym for years and just skipped one year :) but you're right in january there are a thousands of people there and suddenly on february everything is empty again :D haha
    http://www.youtube.com/c/MissLovelyAttitude
    http://lovelyattitude.com

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  21. Great tips Pam, I really like number 5! The gym isn't really for me either, I prefer running or playing tennis!
    Have a lovely weekend :)
    Rosanna x
    Rose's Rooftop

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  22. Great Post thanx for sharing
    http://carrieslifestyle.com

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  23. I love this post. Buddying up is a tip that really works! I go to gym classes with two friends and it's so much better than going alone. Also, finding balance is key as you said. It helps keep you sane. Great post.xx

    cocobellablog.com

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  24. I agree with everything, Pam; although I know I need to exercise, I didn't make any new year's resolution, because I know that the chance to quit is high :) But I will think of your tips, like shopping for sportsgear and having someone that supports us, like you had your mum with you. I also think of the last point, that I don't like to feel guilty, so I didn't join any fitness centre till now, but since my two brothers have well equipped gym rooms in their houses, and offered to train with me - well, that is a possibility :) Hope you have a very nice weekend, enjoy it very much!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  25. I have to agree with you on the shopping part haha! It always makes me that little bit more motivated knowing I've new workout clothes!

    Gabrielle Isabella x

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  26. Ottimi consigli per la mente e il corpo!
    lalu
    Www.ilquadernodilalu.it

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  27. Lovely tips!
    Dora xx
    www.BangsBang.com

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  28. Great tips dear, these are good and motivating post <3

    http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com

    ReplyDelete

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