Make a List of Your Personal Fitness Goals
When you’re on a quest to improve your fitness for your New Year’s resolutions, it’s important to have a plan. “Exercise more” is consistently at the top of the list of popular resolutions, and writing down your personal fitness goals is the perfect place to start.
Research shows that the more specific you are about your goals, the more likely you will stick to them and make them a reality. Making a list of your goals with a plan for incorporating more movement into your life is essential for success.
At St. Johns Chiropractic & Performance, we encourage a holistic approach to health and wellness, combining the benefits of chiropractic treatment and physical activity.
Find an Exercise Routine That Works for You and Stick to It
No exercise regimen, no matter how effective, works if you don’t enjoy it. Finding an activity you personally enjoy will boost your chances for success. Create variety in your routine so you don’t get bored with the same exercise and give up. Find accountability by trying group fitness classes or making a date to walk regularly with a friend.
Another key to successful New Year’s resolutions is starting slowly and gradually increasing your exercise. Doing too much too fast increases the likelihood of injury or frustration that your fitness level is lower than you expected. Remember, progress over perfection: Give yourself time to adjust, and be proud of yourself at every milestone.
Eat Healthy Foods That Will Help Improve Your Energy and Overall Health
Instead of focusing on calories or a diet, focus on sustainable nutrition goals, including:
- Eat 5-6 small meals a day, including breakfast
- Include plenty of lean protein, such as fish, poultry, or legumes
- Increase your fiber intake to feel fuller, adding more vegetables and choosing wholegrain bread and cereal
- Choose low-glycemic carbs to help keep blood sugar in balance
- Good fats (avocados, nuts and seeds, olive oil) aid weight loss, so include small amounts in each meal
- Limit foods with “added sugar”
Just like with exercise, small changes to your diet may not seem like much, but slow and steady changes make long-term success more likely.
Drink Plenty of Water Each Day
A simple way to reduce your daily calories without sacrificing nutrition is by cutting out soda, juice, and alcohol in favor of water. Water is essential to wellness in several ways. It helps you feel full, reducing your inclination to snack mindlessly. It helps keep your digestive system moving properly and hydrates muscles and joints for safer, more effective workouts.
Get Enough Sleep Each Night
Sleep is vital to your health. Besides keeping you alert, energized, and ready for exercise, it affects your hormones, making it more difficult to lose weight. Adequate rest aids in recovery after exercise and helps prevent injury. Make a goal to practice good sleep habits by choosing to read rather than scroll on your phone before bed. Creating a calming atmosphere more conducive to restful sleep is another beneficial change.
Take Breaks Throughout the Day To Stretch and Move
Sitting at a desk all day takes a toll on your body. Getting up and moving around periodically is an easy way to incorporate more movement into your routine and stretch those tight muscles. Just a short walk and a few good stretches can help relieve back pain, improve circulation, and benefit your overall health and wellness.
If you need help figuring out where to start and developing a more specific plan for movement, come in for a consultation with us, your St. Johns, FL, chiropractor, and let us help you succeed in making your New Year’s resolutions a reality.
Sports Chiropractic & Performance Clinic in St. Johns, Florida
At St. Johns Chiropractic & Performance, we offer comprehensive wellness services designed to promote lasting holistic healing. Our experienced professionals work with you to create a targeted, whole-body treatment plan with sustainable results.
If your New Year’s resolutions include taking better care of yourself, add a visit to St. Johns Chiropractic & Performance to your list of ways to achieve your goals. Contact us today at (904) 217-7078 to schedule an appointment.
