If you’re like almost half of all adults, you have a New Year’s resolution. But once the champagne flutes are back on the shelf, it’s hard to make that pledge stick. A week into the New Year, just 77 percent of resolution makers are still on track, and after six months, only about 40 percent will have stayed the course, according to University of Pennsylvania research. If you’re looking for a healthy resolution for 2017, why not choose a manageable fitness resolution? Here are 5 easy resolutions that can make a big impact on your fitness level.
Make A Weekly Plan
It’s easier to make a plan to be active three times this week than vow to be active three times a week indefinitely. If you make your fitness goals week-by-week rather than so far-reaching, you’ll have more success. Plus, monitoring your progress is more motivating when you take it a week at a time.
Hold A Plank
A strong core enhances balance and stability and helps to prevent falls and injuries during sports or other activities. Planks are one of the best exercises for your core because they work the entire body. Start with 30 seconds and build up to one minute. Make a plan to do it first thing in the morning to help remind you to stay active all day.
Master 3 Yoga Poses
Yoga requires minimal equipment, provides stretching without stressing the joints, and can improve stress levels and posture. Many yoga studios offer free classes to new students. Look for experienced, certified instructors or choose a few basic poses to master on your own.
Touch Your Toes
Better flexibility may improve your performance in physical activities or decrease your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion and enabling your muscles to work most effectively. Stretching also increases blood flow to the muscle.
Find The Fun!
Many people can get easily discouraged and give up when there’s too much emphasis on weight loss. Focus on the joys of exercise and movement instead. Take pride in your body getting stronger. Think about the boost in energy you get after a workout and explore new ways of becoming more active.
