Happy New Year!
With a new year comes a great opportunity to think about our lives and think up ways to make this year even better than last year. Here are 5 tips that I use to keep and hopefully reach my new year resolutions.
The first tip is to set smaller and timed goals to help you reach the main goal. One year can be an overwhelming time frame. It can also cause you to lose your momentum and excitement. By creating smaller timed goals you are making less daunting changes. Also it is easier to think "I can do this for 30 days!" Once you reach that smaller goal you have created a habit and added the excitement of reaching a goal.
The second tip is to always keep your resolutions and smaller goals visible. Either keeping them in your planner, creating a colorful poster, or posting sticky-notes everywhere giving yourself a visible reminder will help remind you of what you are working towards. If you add the time frame until reaching your next smaller goal you will also add excitement. This will also remind yourself that you can do it!
The third tip is to get others involved. Studies have shown that talking about your goals makes you more likely to achieve. Getting others involved in your goals also makes it more fun! You will also be less likely to cheat if you are working with friends or family. Be each other's cheerleaders! Yay for encouragement!
The fourth tip is to stay hydrated. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times! No matter what your new year resolutions are, staying hydrated will help. If your resolution is to lose weight, drinking water will obviously help. But hydration will also help your mood and health. Everything is better when you have a positive outlook and healthy!
The final tip is to never give up! Always remember that even if you are slow reaching your goal, you are still lapping the person not trying or that already gave up. If you need to adjust your smaller goals time frames, do it! Just keep taking small steps towards your resolution and you will make it!
What new years resolutions did you make this year? Do you use any other tips to help you achieve your goals? Would love to reach our goals together!
Hope these tips help you reach your new years resolutions this year!
Love always
See you soon
After a couple months getting my footing with the Barre Pilates class I have been taking, a friend of mine convinced me to take a spin class with her. Well really she said "I took this class with you and now you have to take a spin class with me." hahaha I know what a bunch of you are thinking. I am clumsy walking on a good day. How would I ever walk away from a spin class in one piece. My only hope was that the class is on stationary bikes.
One of the aspects of Barre Pilates I love is the easy gear. During the warmer months I would show up in flip-flops. The mat and bands are all provided for me. This is not the case for spin. My friend was so happy showing me her cool spin shoes that were made to clip right onto the bike and special spin shorts that contain extra cushion in the tushy section for a more comfortable class. She then informed me that my bum was probably going to be quite sore tomorrow.
And in comes the doubt. Was this actually going to be a fun workout or a form of torture? I was really starting to get concerned.
We were among the first people into the spin room. After deciding on bikes, I opted for one near the fan, I learned that not only does the seat move up and down and forward and back, but the hand part moves multiple ways too! It was starting to become overwhelming and then the instructor came in. She took extra time to make sure I was comfortable and correct in my pose on the bike. After ensuring that I was secure she also told me a little about the class. She showed me different techniques she would be calling out to the class. She started going over the jumps. Yes, you heard correctly. Spin class is about doing jumps and sprints on stationary bikes.
Thankfully one thing I have learned about group fitness classes is that the instructors are there to facilitate the push, but also offer easier alternatives to make everything doable even for a beginner like myself.
The spin class lasted for 1 hour. It was such a rush! The instructor choreographer the "ride" to go with the music. We did sprints, jumps, hills, and long climbs all based on the resistance we set on our own bike. It was great. I felt the cardio burn and the sweat, but had a blast learning something new. The jumps are no joke! They are timed like dance moves and are quick and controlled. And they really work your legs!
I am so glad my friend pushed me to take the spin class with her. I plan on joining her again next week. It was such a different class, but I loved the challenge!
And yes, in case you are wondering, my bum killed the next day.
Have you ever taken a spin class or ever thought of taking one but got too scared? Do you have another cardio class you love that you think I should try? Would love to hear from you!
See you soon!
Love always
