Sick of abandoning those half-hearted resolutions by mid-January? Make 2016 your year to shine with these inspiring tips from local experts.
According to a Nielsen survey, 37 percent of us made a fitness-related resolution last year. But how to stay motivated? We speak to Humphrey Tsui of All About Aesthetics for some advice.
How many people who make a “get fit” resolution actually stick to it?
The majority of us make fitness-related New Year resolutions. But I would say only about two or three people out of 10 actually stick to it.
Why do so many people fail?
One of the biggest reasons that we fall off the bandwagon is that we set unrealistic goals. We want to look a certain way in a month or two, but the people that we admire have been working out for an incredibly long time. In addition, people often don’t know what they’re doing in the gym; their form might be incorrect or they don’t how to use the machines. They stick to the treadmill and don’t experiment with other equipment. We lose motivation when we don’t see the results we want.
What’s the best way to make a fitness resolution that we’ll actually keep?
Make realistic goals; aim to hit the gym two or three times a week and build up from there. Also, go to a personal trainer or a smaller group fitness class so you can learn how to train properly. In terms of keeping track of your progress, take photos and measurements instead of weighing yourself as muscle is heavier than fat. Also remember to have a balanced lifestyle. That means enjoying the food you still like every so often. If you don’t, this lifestyle will be very hard to sustain.
Any tips for staying motivated when our resolution wavers?
Change up your training program. Join a new fitness class that used to intimidate you, like kickboxing or boot camp. It’ll challenge your body and you won’t get bored of the same routine. Also, get a workout pal. That way, they’ll keep you accountable, and when you decide to meet up for a fitness session, you’ll be less likely to drop out.
Five apps to keep you on track
Fooducate
Learn more about the food you eat with the help of this app. Each food comes with a letter grade and there’s educational info about additives such as artificial flavourings and high fructose corn syrup. Available on iOS and Android.
Coach.me:
This goal-tracking app not only covers fitness and exercise goals; you also have the option of creating a new daily habit, like flossing. Set your weekly target, get regular reminders, and stay motivated with the app’s ever-growing community. Available on iOS and Android.
CARROT Fit
Get fit with the help of Al, a snarky mascot who guides you through various quirkily-named drills, rewarding you when you work out and calling you a fatty when you gain weight. Sense of humour required. Available on iOS.
Couch to 5k
A classic get-fit app, Couch to 5k aims to get even the most exercise-adverse running five kilometres in nine weeks. Also comes with a warm-up and cool-down protocols. Available on iOS and Android.
Fitness Point
This one’s for gym rats. Follow a pre-programmed workout or create your own with an extensive database of exercises, each with a detailed description and animation. Available on iOS and Android.
