If You Want to Stick to Your Fitness New Year's Resolutions, Read This

Updated on 1/1/2016 at 6:00 AM

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C9 Champion® at Target

Coming up with a lofty list of goals for 2016 was the easy part — all you had to do was think optimistically and write things down — but here's where it gets hard. January is in full swing, and you have to hold yourself accountable. Did you promise that you'd lead a healthier lifestyle by eating organic or perhaps by incorporating more cardio into your workouts? Whatever your choice was, it's up to you now to see it through to the end. To help ensure that you achieve your wellness goals, we tapped fitness expert and author Adam Rosante for tips on sticking to your New Year's resolutions, what to do when you fail at them, and an exciting 21-day workout video series he's part of called C9 Champion® Commit to Fit.

Remind yourself that you're not alone

You're not the only one out there who promised they'd get into shape come January, which means you're not the only one having a really hard time sticking to it. "The most common resolution is to start some kind of fitness and/or diet regimen to 'get in shape' or for some folks to get back in shape," said Adam Rosante.

Cut yourself some slack

You are doing the very best you can, and it's natural to have days where you feel like you've slipped. It's OK. "We all fall off the path to our goals from time to time. Beating yourself up will do one thing: make you feel like crap," said Rosante.

Make sure your goals are measurable

Goals are hard to achieve if you can't actually measure them. "Set a big-picture goal, and then break that down into smaller steps that you can take action on every day. So, for example, let’s say your big-picture goal was to 'get in shape.' Just spend a few minutes deciding what 'get in shape' actually looks like to you. It could be anything from losing fat and gaining lean muscle to building the endurance to run up a flight of stairs without getting winded. Those are clear, measurable goals that we can really take aim at," added Rosante.

Build your fit family

If you want to stick to your New Year’s health and fitness resolutions, this is a crucial step. This year, join a program — like Commit to Fit — with a group of friends to support each other. "The key is to align yourself with other folks who are taking the same journey as you and, ideally, doing the same program. When the going gets tough, you’ll be there to motivate and inspire each other," added Rosante.

Don't underestimate the value of presents

Getting into (or back into) shape should be an enjoyable process, so treat yourself to something special from time to time. "At the end of each week, get yourself a little something for sticking to your goals. A dangling carrot like this can sometimes be exactly what you need to get up and moving when you just don't feel like doing that workout you had planned," suggested Rosante.

Sign up for a new fitness program

Getting into a fitness rut can really stall success. Make sure to try something completely new this year. Rosante helped create a 21-day Commit to Fit program, which you can do entirely at home. "January is an important time when people are thinking about starting a fitness program. I was talking with the team at C9 Champion® and Target and they want to be a part of that. So we put our noses to the grindstone and created a plug-and-play program that is great for all fitness levels and ages. You can do it on your own, but I promise it's way more fun when you do it with your family."

Be sure to check out C9 Champion® Commit to Fit.