How to make those New Year’s resolution goals stick
FOR MANY OF US, IT’S A RESOLUTION WE MAKE EVERY YEAR: IMPROVE OUR FITNESS AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF INCREASED ENERGY AND STRENGTH. BUT WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? GEMLIFE’S HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE COORDINATOR JOSH KRISTENSON HAS SOME PRACTICAL TIPS.
Welcome to a new year at GemLife, where we’re committed to empowering your fitness journey with tailored strategies for our vibrant over-50s’ community. Small lifestyle changes that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine will help support your fitness goals whether they be increased energy, losing weight, improved strength or better sleep.
Setting realistic fitness goals
Being specific in your objectives means you are more likely to achieve them. Rather than making broad statements such as, “I want to increase my fitness”, give yourself a tangible goal – i.e. “I’ll go to aqua aerobics every week and walk a circuit of the resort every morning”.
Creating quantifiable goals and a time frame to achieve them in makes it easier to track progress and give you those small wins that will encourage you to keep going and even expand those goals.
Utilising GemLife’s fitness facilities
Whether it is laps in the magnesium-infused swimming pool, a vigorous round of pickleball or time spent in our well-equipped gyms, GemLife resorts offer plenty of variety. I always recommend adding a workout in the gym as part of your routine. Using both the weights and the cardio equipment can help reduce health risks and injuries while improving movement and energy.
Embracing small lifestyle changes for enhanced wellbeing
Summer is a great time to reset your diet. With a wide array of delicious fresh produce available, adding more fruit and vegetables has never been tastier. Look for whole, nutrient-dense foods and include lean protein and healthy fats.
How are you sleeping? You might be surprised at how quality rest can play a crucial role in your overall health. A good night’s sleep is essential for wellbeing, aiding in recovery and overall health.
Consistency and progress tracking
Once you’ve settled into a regular exercise routine, don’t forget to track your progress. Make note of the fact that your weight has changed, that you’re seeing a little more muscle definition or you’re able to go that little bit further without running out of breath.
Consistency is more important than sporadic intense efforts, which is why it’s important to ensure that your fitness routine is something you can realistically maintain. Fitness tracker apps are handy for tracking your progress or using a written journal works just as well.
Find fitness with a friend
The old adage, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, is true in fitness too. Group aqua aerobics and Zumba classes are a lot of fun – so too are line dancing classes and walking groups. Being active with a friend delivers motivation through accountability because they’re relying on you to be there. Fitness in company makes everything easier – the distance disappears, time flies and you’ve discovered that you’ve done more reps than you’ve done before.
Your fitness goals are within reach at GemLife. By implementing these comprehensive and achievable strategies, utilising our facilities and the resources in our surroundings, and embracing small lifestyle changes, you can turn your fitness aspirations into successful, sustainable achievements.
Josh Kristenson
Health & Lifestyle Coordinator
HAVE A FITNESS QUESTION? ASK JOSH!
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, improve overall fitness levels or have a query about cardio, strength training or is sports-specific, Ask Josh! has got you covered.
GemLife Health and Lifestyle Coordinator Josh Kristenson will provide residents and contract holders with practical and effective advice to help level up their fitness goals.
Send your questions to [email protected]