Fitness | Sticking to your 'Health Kick'

We're a week or two into the new year. That means we're a week or two into 'Health Kicks', 'New Year, New Me'... 

A week or two and you can probably already feel yourself slipping, that 'Exercise 5 times a week' resolution has already slipped to 3 and giving up caffeine failed that first frosty morning you had to drag yourself away from bed early. 

Never fear! Here are five steps to make sure you stay on track this year. 

(You can thanks me when you're sunning your washboard abs in St. Tropez).

Enjoy it!

This is the biggie: You will never stick to something you don't enjoy! If you can't find the motivation to drag yourself to the gym - go swimming, running, cycling - find something new! I try not to do the same exercise twice in a week, I find I get bored and don't put enough effort in. I went and tried Surfing.... in Scotland.... in a blizzard! It may not be everyone's cup of tea but the point is - always try something new, you never know you'll probably enjoy it! 

Be Social.

There is nothing worse than doing something on your own. Starting School, Walking into a full room when you barely know anyone - its all the same! Going to the gym, running, swimming (Especially Swimming) - if you're new to it its intimidating! Take a friend with you - if you think you're going to embarrass yourself at least you'll have company. You'll find having someone there will keep you going longer and harder - nothing like a healthy bit of competition - and, most importantly they'll keep you going back.

We Don't Like Losing.

Its human nature - we don't like losing! That is where Stickk comes in, what they do is offer you the chance to take out 'Commitment Contracts', to show to yourself and others the value you put on achieving your goals.You pledge your goal and, if you fail, you lose the money you put on the line. Simple!

The Write Way.

Keep a diary - write down everything you have achieved towards your goal. That way you can see where you're doing well! If you want to get really technical you could even make a spreadsheet... but we'll leave that to the tech geeks. 

Keep it Real.

Don't go hoping for a Kelly Brooke bottom or Eva Longoria legs in 12 weeks. It may not be realistic, if you aren't seeing the changes you aim for you'll get disheartened and you'll end up on the slippery slope to failure. Make small achievable targets that will keep you on ( the running) track. I know if I didn't then I would fall of the wagon too. I keep myself content knowing I'm healthier and happier doing the exercise I love and if I skip a day, its not the end of the world, there is always tomorrow!

What do you think will be your toughest challenge to sticking to your health kick this year?