Watching the ball drop in Times Square, donning hats, blowing horns, making resolutions, toasting well wishes and gathering with friends to welcome in the New Year. Remember all that? Seems like awhile ago since you celebrated the start of a new year, doesn't it?
Now that we're a few months into the year, it may be time for a health and wellness reboot. Perhaps you've been faithful so far to maintain your fitness regimen, but you're bored with the same trek on the treadmill, day after day.
Maybe you feel like you're in a workout slump, performing exercises with little enthusiasm and even smaller results. Or perhaps you fell off the fitness bandwagon many moons ago, and you just need a kick-start to get moving again.
Whether you just need a small boost or you need a major wellness overhaul, here are five ways to reboot your fitness efforts.
Go Shopping
Are you finding it increasingly difficult to get to your exercise class as the year drags on? A new pair of sneakers or a fashionable tee-top may be all the motivation you need to get off the couch. Mid-year is the perfect time to buy new fitness attire.
Consider your workout clothing just as important as the new suit for the office or cocktail dress for the company gala. After all, your workout digs are helping you achieve health and wellness. Isn't your personal well-being as important as knocking 'em dead in the boardroom or impressing your co-workers at happy hour?
Get Your Gear Ready
We've all been there before. You have the best intentions to run three miles before work. The alarm blasts at 5:30 a.m. You climb out of bed. You find that every pair of gym socks is sitting in your laundry hamper. So, you promptly crawl back under the covers. Failure to have your gear ready-to-go at a moment's notice is a common excuse for missing a workout. Keep a pair of gym clothes, shoes, and necessary gear ready at home and in your car at all times.
Turn Off the TV
Not only will shutting off the TV save you from sedentary living and mindless munching, but it may actually make you happier as well. According to a 34-year research study at the University of Maryland, people who describe themselves as "very happy" watch 10 percent less TV than those who describe themselves as "moderately happy." Turn off the tube just one night per week, and see what other activities you may enjoy instead.
Update Your Playlist
If you're still jamming out to the Best Hits of the 90s, it's definitely time to mix-up your playlist. In fact, creating a new playlist is one of the best ways to beat exercise boredom. Be sure to include some easy listening, cool down songs. One study from the Nanjing Institute of Physical Education in China indicates that exercisers who listen to calming tunes after their workout feel less fatigued than those who rest without music.
Recruit Your Friends
Make fitness fun by bringing a few of your closest buds along to your exercise class. Perhaps you can even talk your gal pals into an exercise or weight loss contest. If your friends refuse to jump onboard, then make friends with people who regularly attend the same class as you. You'll be less likely to skip.
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