Just like that, it is 2018. The year 2017 has come and gone, and as always, it’s time to set those goals for the upcoming year. Today, millions of people will set out to enter the gym for the first time, set up a gym membership, and make this the year that they get fit! As a personal trainer, I see it every year.

New people, often referred to as “resolutioners” enter the gym, and the avid gym goers grumble, saying they’ll no longer be here by March. But to those avid gym goers, I say this year we change our mindset! Let’s realize that everyone entering the gym has one goal, and that is to better themselves. Instead of getting mad and discounting their goals, let’s do our best to empower them and show them the way to a healthy and fit lifestyle and show them what the hype is all about!

In today’s blog, I want to share some of my thoughts on how I made fitness and health a lifestyle, rather than just a resolution. About 6 years ago, I sat there just like you, and told myself this would be the year! I wanted those summer abs and have the body I always wanted! I walked into the gym, started working out, and although I was an exercise science major in college, I realized I was missing something, and that was a support group! If I was going to be serious about this, I had to find a way to hold myself accountable.

So, I went and signed up for 12 week challenge the gym was holding and hired a trainer to push me through it. He also set me up with another client as a workout buddy that continued as my workout partner consistently for a few years. I went on to do really well in the challenge, but above that, I had made fitness and health a lifestyle. I no longer over ate, spent lazy days playing video games, or doing things that weren’t in my best interest of health. It finally felt like I had control over my health!

Looking back, I take a couple things away from my experience and making my resolutions into a lifestyle! Here are three ways that you can do the same for yourself!

Find a gym buddy!

Having someone to meet you at the gym everyday and maybe push you through those exercises you don’t want to do will make all the difference! Also, they are there with you, battling in the trenches. They know exactly what you are going through! Bounce ideas off of them, push them harder to push you harder, and hold each other accountable.

Find a personal trainer!

One of the best things I did was to hire my first trainer. Although I did go on to become a personal trainer myself, I needed someone at the time to push me to my own limits that I didn’t even know existed. With that experience, I feel as though I have been able to do the same thing for my own clients!

Set a goal date!

Find a challenge. Challenge your friends. Get fit. One of the best ways to stay motivated is to set a date that you want to hit a certain goal by. Maybe you want to be ready for your wedding in 6 months. Maybe you joined an 8 week body transformation contest. It doesn’t matter what it is. Set a date, and give it your 100% effort to get your goal. Then, look back. Did you give 100% or even 110%? If you gave it your all, you can bet you’re going to have hit your goals!

I have faith in each and every one of you that you can do what you put your mind to! You have the choice! Just get out there and do it! There are so many of us here and ready to help you succeed! You just have to put that first step forward!

By: Ryan McIvor