How to Stay on Top of Your New Year's Fitness Goals
Jan 14, 2025
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Juliet Starrett, a certified nutrition coach and co-founder of The Ready State, along with her husband Kelly Starrett, a doctor of physical therapy, share invaluable insights on achieving New Year's fitness goals. They discuss the importance of setting realistic and enjoyable resolutions, emphasizing sustainable habits over restrictive diets. The duo highlights finding joy in movement and the significance of community accountability to boost motivation. Their advice encourages listeners to navigate fitness challenges with a balanced approach and discover the joy of staying active.
Setting realistic fitness goals is crucial to avoid frustration and foster sustainable habits that align with personal lifestyles.
Incorporating small, manageable changes into daily routines can enhance movement and flexibility while making fitness enjoyable and less daunting.
Building a community around exercise significantly boosts motivation and accountability, making physical activity a more enjoyable experience.
Deep dives
Understanding the Challenge of New Year's Fitness Resolutions
Many individuals struggle to maintain their exercise-related New Year's resolutions due to overly ambitious expectations that may not fit their lifestyles. Experts suggest that the problem often lies in setting unrealistic goals, which can lead to frustration and failure. A more successful approach is to redefine fitness goals to include various aspects of well-being, such as improving sleep quality and increasing daily activity levels. Emphasizing gradual, manageable changes rather than drastic shifts can create habits that are easier to stick to over time.
Incorporating Small Changes for Big Gains
Experts encourage integrating small, simple changes into daily routines as a way to enhance fitness without overwhelming oneself. For example, limiting screen time and spending more time sitting on the floor can promote greater movement and flexibility. These interventions encourage individuals to engage with their bodies in a new way, promoting better mobility and overall health. Additionally, encouraging play and enjoyment in physical activities can counteract the rigid, restrictive mindset often associated with traditional fitness programs.
The Importance of Nutrition in Fitness Goals
Nutrition plays a critical role in achieving fitness goals, and experts recommend focusing on additive habits rather than restrictive diets. The '800 gram challenge,' which encourages individuals to consume 800 grams of fruits and vegetables daily, is presented as a simple yet effective strategy. This approach emphasizes the benefits of nutrient-dense foods while making it easier to maintain a balanced diet without the stress of calorie counting. By shifting the focus to incorporating more healthy foods, individuals may find it easier to meet their dietary goals and improve their overall health.
Social Connections and Community in Exercise
Building social connections around exercise can significantly enhance motivation and accountability when pursuing fitness goals. Engaging with a community, whether through group classes or exercise partners, can make physical activity more enjoyable and foster a sense of belonging. This social element not only helps in sticking to routines but also makes exercising feel less like a chore and more like a fulfilling part of life. The emotional support gained from working out with others can be invaluable, particularly on days when motivation is low.
Tailoring Exercise to Fit Individual Needs
It is important to adapt fitness routines to cater to individual capabilities and health conditions, especially for older adults or those dealing with previous injuries. Starting with low-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, can provide significant benefits while reducing the risk of injury. Hiring a coach or personal trainer can also be beneficial in customizing a program that meets specific physical requirements. Returning to the fundamental idea that movement should be enjoyable and accessible, individuals are encouraged to explore diverse forms of activity to find what fits their life the best.
It’s that time of year when many of us dust off our running shoes, sign up for a gym membership and vow to develop a fitness routine we can stick with. Whether you’re just getting started or aiming to set a new personal record, we talk to two experts who share their advice and answer your questions. What are your New Year’s fitness resolutions?
Guests:
Juliet Starrett, certified nutrition coach and CEO and co-founder, The Ready State; author, "BUILT TO MOVE: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully"
Kelly Starrett, doctor of physical therapy; co-founder, The Ready State; author, "BUILT TO MOVE: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully." His other bestselling books include “The Supple Leopard” and “Becoming a Supple Leopard."
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