How Seniors Can Achieve Their Fitness Goals in the New Year
The new year is the perfect time for a new mindset and to prepare for the year ahead. Once January rolls around after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, most folks are ready to change. Setting New Year’s resolutions is the first step to unlocking your full potential and becoming the best version of yourself possible.
While achieving New Year's resolutions can be challenging, it's important to remember that anything is possible with the right mindset and approach. Setting realistic goals, staying motivated, and creating a solid plan can increase your chances of success and make 2024 your best year yet!
4 Helpful Hints to Achieve Your Fitness Resolutions in 2024
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is fitness goals. Seniors who want to hit their goals must take the proper steps to set themselves up for success. Keep reading to learn four helpful hints to achieve your fitness resolutions in 2024.
1. Assess Where You Currently Stand
Seniors must assess their physical condition before attending the gym or a fitness class. Schedule a doctor’s appointment to learn your current weight, blood pressure, mobility level, and any other factors that could impact your ability to exercise.
Once you know where you stand, you can develop goals accommodating your ability level. Doing so prevents potential accidents and injuries.
2. Set 3 Achievable Goals
Setting too many or unrealistic goals can overwhelm you before you even begin. Limit your New Year’s fitness resolutions to three. You should also set SMART goals or goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
SMART goals help older adults stay motivated and focused. With a SMART goal, you’ll know exactly what you want to achieve and when you’ll complete it.
An example of a good SMART fitness goal is: I want to do 10 minutes of yoga three times a week by March.
3. Make a Plan
After defining your SMART goals, make an actionable plan for reaching them. Break each goal down into short-term goals and steps you can take daily to achieve them.
For instance, say your New Year’s fitness resolution is to develop healthier eating habits. You want to achieve this long-term goal in the next year. Your short-term goals could include adding more veggies to your dinner or prepping your weekly meals.
A plan provides a blueprint for achieving your resolutions, detailing what you must do each day, week, and month.
4. Start Slow
Diving head-first into a new fitness routine can negatively impact your mental and physical health. It cannot only make you feel discouraged but also lead to injuries.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), seniors should gradually ease into new exercise programs. Start with low-intensity exercises like swimming, walking, or Pilates. You can tackle more challenging activities later.
Get Help from Visiting Angels of Southwest Oklahoma City
Do you need help achieving your New Year’s fitness resolutions? If so, call Visiting Angels of Southwest Oklahoma City today. Our in-home caregivers can drive you to the gym, help you prepare delicious and nutritious meals, and even join you in your favorite exercises. We personalize our award-winning care services to your unique needs and preferences, ensuring you receive the exact care plan you need.
Contact us today at (405) 703-7676 or by filling out our online form for more information. We hope to hear from you soon!