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Physical and mental wellbeing is a long-term commitment, so it’s important to keep the momentum going – and exercise is the perfect way to do so.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, a regular gym-goer or someone who wants to reach their fitness goals, there are many ways you can practice self-care and make a change - not just in January.

Set realistic fitness goals

Setting realistic fitness goals and banning the ‘all or nothing’ mentality, which often defines New Year’s resolutions, is essential to create long-lasting habits and start a healthy lifestyle.

Small, daily fitness goals can be a great place to start. Challenge yourself to get up from your desk once every couple of hours, perhaps to go on a short walk at lunchtime at least three times a week or even to try a new fitness class every month.

However, don’t beat yourself up if you’ve done two online fitness classes rather than the four you’d promised yourself you’d do earlier in the week, and celebrate the small wins - whether it’s completing Dry January or simply getting up to move.

Find a routine that works for you

Having a routine is the best way to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, especially on days where motivation may be lower. However, it’s important to find one that works for you rather than simply copying what others do.

Are you feeling more productive in the morning? Why not wake up earlier and try to get a larger portion of work done before lunch then go to the pool later in the evening? If you want to get fitter, but feel intimidated, why not start small by trying to join two to three classes a week?

The same goes with nutrition changes. By now, you’re probably feeling the benefits of Dry January on your body - why not try to make other changes to your diet, such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables or trying new dishes? Small, incremental changes can have a big impact and creates realistic fitness goals that stretch beyond the first month of the year.

Keep going

You can expect challenges whenever you make lifestyle changes, and you shouldn’t kick yourself if you do not complete every task you set yourself. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to healthy habits and fitness, as everyone’s journey is different.

If you’ve completed Dry January, then you’ve already proven you can make a change - you just have to keep going, one step at a time.

*Source: More people than ever are planning to go alcohol-free this January

David Morris Content Contributor, Warwick Sport

David is an avid runner and writes about different aspects of fitness, health and wellbeing. He enjoys running, fitness classes and outdoor activities with his daughters.

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