The new year is upon us, and 2020 marks a special “new.” As the start of a new decade, 2020 is the perfect time to create resolutions to venture out of your comfort zone. At Plunkett Fitness, we are encouraging people to use this new decade as an excuse to start trying new things in all aspects of their lives—especially their health and fitness journey.
New Healthy Recipes
A healthy diet is key to weight loss and overall health. However, we can often get in the habit of making the same meals over and over, which can cause us to get tired of the same foods. Trying new, healthy recipes is a great way to keep things fresh and motivate you to stick with a balanced diet. We encourage everyone to experiment with ingredients they have never used before or ingredients they don’t typically enjoy. You would be surprised how cooking something differently can change your opinion about the food overall. For example, brussels sprouts are a commonly disliked food, but sprinkling parmesan or honey over the dish can add flavors that you prefer. Purchasing a cookbook or searching the web for recipes are great first steps to introducing new recipes into your routine.
New Fitness Classes
Another “new” thing you can try in 2020 is incorporating new ways to move your body. Attending new fitness classes can target muscles that are otherwise missed in your normal routine. Boxing, yoga, or Pilates are wonderful exercise methods that can enhance your performance in other areas, as well. Plunkett Fitness offers group training sessions for those interested in trying weightlifting for the first time. Our trainers help make sure you are accurately and safely using weights and machines to get the most out of your workout.
New Gym or Studio
In addition to trying a new fitness class, you can also join a gym or studio. Burn out is expected if you do the same workout at the same place all the time. A change of scenery can help you stay motivated to meet your fitness goals. A new gym may also be a wonderful way to meet new people. Often, gyms are full of friendly faces and encouraging people who help provide positive environments for you to exercise while feeling comfortable rather than intimidated.
Plunkett Fitness always welcomes new members. We have both personalized and group training sessions. Our group training program still provides individualized workouts to everyone in the session.
New Equipment
Using new equipment is also a great way to work muscles that you don’t typically exercise in your normal routine. If you are unsure of how to use a piece of equipment, find a staff member who can show you. This will allow you to safely use the equipment while getting the most out of the exercise.
If you are trying weightlifting for the first time, start with lower weights and more reps. You can slowly build up to more weight overtime, but starting with more weight than you can handle will make you sorer and less likely to use the same equipment again.
New Relaxation Methods
Stress and anxiety are brutal to our physical health. If you do not already have a go-to method of relaxation, incorporating one into your routine should be part of your 2020 resolutions. Relaxation can help both your physical and mental health, allowing you to perform better at work, at the gym, and in every other aspect of your life. For example, stretching and meditating before bed helps you both unwind from the day and recover from your workout. Other methods of relaxation include reading, journaling, taking baths, and listening to music. The important thing to remember when relaxing is to turn off your phone and TV. Although it is tempting to scroll through social media before bed, it makes it more difficult to fall asleep.
When working to keep up with New Year’s resolutions, you should focus on creating regular habits. Even if you start small, continuing to show up to a work out class or meditate before bed establishes routines that last must longer than the decade.
