5 Tips to Actually Reach Your Fitness Goals in 2015

Whether you’ve competed numerous times or are just getting acclimated to a healthier lifestyle, the path to a killer physique is not always easy. After the adrenaline wears off from the renewed commitment to your health, the excuses start to accumulate and you will find yourself back at square one. Without a plan in place, it’s easy to throw your goals out the window for a brief moment of indulgence. In order to stay on track, try these helpful tips:

Go to Bed Early

Not only does going to bed at a decent hour prevent late night binges, it also enables you to get up early to bang out a cardio session before your daily schedule hits. Lack of sleep is directly related to obesity in over 50% of the U.S. population. You can always record your favorite late night TV programs. If you struggle to fall asleep, there are supplemental approaches such as Valerian Root Extract, Chamomile, California Poppy, and GABA (Gamma- Amino Butyric Acid) to help boost melatonin, a natural hormone that helps regulate the sleep cycle.

Plan, Plan, Plan!

My mother always told me if you fail to plan, you can plan to fail. If you know you need to make it to the gym 4 times a week, pack your gym bag nightly, plan your meals, do not leave your personal health and fitness decisions to circumstance. The reality is that life undoubtedly will get in the way. Applying effort to prepare your meals in advance saves your time, money, and waistline.

Do Not Compare Yourself to Others

You are setting yourself up for failure if you look at your beginning and compare it to someone else’s “mid-way” point in their journey. In order to break this habit, realize that there is no one else like you. We have different body types, mindsets, circumstances, and experiences. Realize that we all come into the world the same way, we age, we feel, and we will all eventually leave this world. No one is more special than anyone else.

Find Social Outlets That Are Not Focused Around Food

Instead of meeting up with friends over drinks, try going for a hike, walking your dog’s together, getting manicures and pedicures, going shopping, or watching a movie. You can still have a fun evening out on the town without heavy foods and alcoholic drinks by going out dancing, bowling, singing karaoke, going to the driving range, rock climbing, attending art gallery openings, playing intramural sports, dance classes, gambling, skiing, shopping, and much more. For a quiet night in, you can try starting a side business, reading, praying, meditating, playing video games, doing at home spa treatments such as face masks, learning a musical instrument, writing, blogging, cleaning, organizing, studying a new language, or volunteer your time.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Constant accountability is the key to long term success. One of the best available tools is the MyFitnessPal app that can be downloaded for free into a smartphone. This “food diary” makes accountability foolproof where you can see with your own eyes how each nutritional decision impacts your health. You can also seek a friend, family member or fitness professional such as a personal trainer or online coach to keep you on track.