5 Things Fit People Do that you Don’t: How to Maintain your New Year's Fitness Goals

Anyone who's ever made a New Year’s resolution to get in shape knows, developing and maintaining a sustainable fitness regimen is much easier said than done. And the key to doing so is to develop the habit of fitness. When a habit is ingrained, we are more likely to throw a leg over the bike, get out and run, drive to the pool, go to the gym, or unroll that yoga mat in the living room, regardless of the circumstance in which we find ourselves. But again, we all have the best of intentions, but the grand majority of us tend to fall short. However, there are that small percentage of people that seem to never miss a workout or skip leg day- they are constantly eating healthy, and always look fit!

So what makes those weekend warriors able to develop a sustainable fitness regimen? How come they never seem to lack motivation, are able to navigate hectic work commitments, the kid’s carpool schedule, and still keep those abs looking good and the run times dropping? 

In working with literally hundreds of clients over the years, there are 5 critical elements that fit people do and are essential in developing and sustaining the habit of fitness throughout the new year, and beyond. These 5 critical elements have one thing in common- they include a certain amount of specificity: 

• Fit people have a dedicated time to workout - when we do not set aside a specific time to exercise, it’s amazing how easily it gets bumped down the priority list. I’ve written many times about the importance of having a set time to workout for a reason. When we prioritize our fitness as the first thing of the day, it typically gets done. Developing a routine of getting up early- even just 15 minutes earlier than normal- and doing a bit of yoga or stretching, is a great start. If the morning isn’t feasible, find a time that you can dedicate to moving- it could be on your lunch break, or before bed. While morning is preferable, set aside a specific time to move. Schedule it like you would a client meeting or your kid’s school talent show- set it in stone! Again, this can be just 10-15 min to start, but set aside the time. 
• Fit people have a dedicated space to workout - when we arrive at a space set aside specifically to exercise, be it inside our own home, at a gym, training studio, track, pool,  or any other space, it signals our brain that we are going to exercise. If possible, that space should be exclusively for exercise. During the pandemic, I turned my little 5‘ x 3‘ balcony into my workout space. I jumped rope, did push-ups, lifted dumbbells, used my TRX, and rode my bike on a trainer all from a tiny little space. When I stepped out on that patio, I knew I was there for one purpose. There was no question as to whether or not I was going to do a workout. That was my workout space, and when I stepped out that door, I was going to get it done. A spare bedroom, corner of a home office, garage gym, and of course commercial gyms, pools, and tracks are all great options. 
• Fit people have a specific workout structure- many people have a dedicated space, they have a time set aside for exercise, but for whatever reason they can’t get into a routine.They lose steam, even with those critical pieces in place. The challenge is they don’t have the right workout structure to help us achieve our goals. We need some type of schedule, system, or plan to deliver the type of workouts we need. Not everyone needs to hire a coach, trainer or even have a training plan as an athlete would, but everybody should have some type of a system that works for them. This could be as simple as daily following along with YouTube videos by an influencer who shares your goals. It could be an app you download, it could be working with a coach or trainer, it could be regularly attending a class at your gym. There are many options, you just have to choose one that is right for you, something that will get you going and keep you going.
• Fit people eat in a structured, sustainable way. Now this point is really directly related to fitness, but it IS related to health. I can go on and on about what makes a ‘good’ diet, but as I’ve said many times before, everyone is different. Finding the right eating strategy that works for you is a very individual thing. The key is that you have to find something sustainable for you. It’s great that you might be aiming to go full vegan or keto, but if your spouse isn’t on board and you have small children, that might not be sustainable for you at this point. I am personally much more an advocate of structured, not overly restrictive, more traditional healthy eating plans. I find it much more sustainable in the long run for most people (not all, but MOST). When we’re eating well, typically we’re more focused on how the body feels, and using that fuel to keep our bodies running as well as possible- and that feeds into supporting our workout goals. The plan can be as simple as adhering to a calorie app, subscribing to a pre-made meal delivery service, or dedicating Sunday night to the week’s meal prep. Again, you have to find what works for you. 
• Fit people have a support system they are accountable to. Really fit people typically have a workout partner, training group, online community, committed BFF, or spouse who shares their goals and helps keep them accountable. Now I’ve been a part of dozens of organized rides/runs/classes, etc. Yet the key is making a connection with said group- people that will miss you when you don't workout, ride, or run with them. They ask you where you were, or send a text the night before telling you they’ll see you there. Even if this is not a formal group, or coach, they will keep you accountable and make it easier to stay motivated as you continue in your fitness journey. I have clients that hire me specifically for accountability, not because they don’t know what to do, or even how to do it, they just want to be held accountable. And that’s important. Accountability, motivation, and shared suffering are all great reasons to find your support system, your workout tribe. 

So, for those of you struggling to meet those New Year’s goals (and it’s only February), try doing what the ‘fit people do’. These 5 key elements are sure to help you stay on the path to being a healthier, fitter, you. Set a specific time, place, and system that makes the ‘habit of fitness’ easier, eat in a way that supports your goals, then, find a support system - a person or group- committed to the same goals, and to your achieving them.