You know how it works. Every year on December 31st you make the same resolution to finally get fit. Come January 1st, you go all in. You’re motivated, dedicated, and consistent. Then, somewhere along the way, something happens, and your fitness resolution begins to fall by the wayside. Don’t feel guilty – it happens to everyone. Come February, only a third of those who made a resolution still stick with it. Overall, only about 9% of resolutioners report success with accomplishing their goals.

So what’s the secret? What’s the difference between the person who reaches their fitness resolution and the one who crashes and burns? There’s actually a couple of tricks that will help keep you motivated and focused along the way.

Get Real

Want to know one of the biggest keys to reaching your fitness resolution? It all starts with being real and honest with yourself. Make a realistic goal, and set realistic expectations. If you’ve never stepped one sneakered foot on a treadmill before, it may be unrealistic to expect to look like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson by the time summer rolls around. Instead, give yourself something more manageable to work with. For instance, if your ultimate goal is to get fit, then start small by resolving to hit a few group fitness classes per week. Once you manage to do that consistently, you can broaden your horizons because you’ll already be on the path to success.

Book It

Our daily schedules tend to naturally inflate to fit the space we give them. But, in order to fulfill your fitness resolution, you need to give exercise the same high priority you give to the other things in your life that you value.

You schedule a massage, an appointment for a hairdresser or barber, and even a visit with the doctor. These are all instances of making time for self-care. Exercise is one of an essential form of self-care, and therefore should be treated as such. It’s your daily or weekly appointment with yourself where you focus on self-improvement.

You’re making a commitment to bettering your health and extending your life, so honor it. Block out time in your schedule for a workout. Write it on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone. Ensuring you have that time reserved and free of disruptions will help give it significance, not only in your daily schedule but also in your brain.

Switch It Up

One of the major reasons that people start to slack off on their fitness resolution is boredom. Going to the gym can be monotonous. You run like a hamster in a wheel for a little while and then you go pick heavy things up and put them back down. Even a disciplined weightlifter eventually gets bored.

If you want to keep the workouts going strong, then switch up your routine! If lifting weights bores you and you hate the treadmill, do something different. High-intensity group fitness classes are a great option because they’re uptempo and exercises are constantly changing within the workout. By the time you get used to punching the bag, it’s time to switch to weightlifting, or sprints on the treadmill. You’re working on something new every day, which really staves off the boredom.

Bring a Buddy

Maybe you get too distracted, bored, or frustrated when you try to workout on your own. Or, perhaps you’re too intimidated to try a group class alone for the first time. If it helps you stick to your fitness resolution, try bringing a friend along with you! Having a “partner in crime” tag along with you will help you feel comfortable when testing the waters in a new, possibly foreign environment. You can encourage and support each other through the workout.

The buddy system isn’t only reserved for friends, either. If you want something new to do with bae, try turning up the heat with a group fitness class! Did you know that exercising with your significant other can actually serve to increase your bond together? If your partner enjoys it, that will only serve to motivate the both of you to continue!

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

No matter what, remember to cut yourself some slack. If you’ve been dedicated to your exercise and you’ve been eating all the right things, then don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a workout here and there. Life gets in the way sometimes – we all know that. Don’t let yourself get discouraged too quickly. Maybe you thought you’d see faster results, or maybe you’re upset because you couldn’t push your workout as hard today as you did the day before. One bad day isn’t the precursor to ultimate failure. The most important part is being able to get back on your feet. Some people take one misstep and let it snowball out of control until they’ve completely fallen off the wagon.

The difference between someone who achieves their fitness resolution and someone who doesn’t is the ability to recognize that living fit is a lifestyle, not a means to an end. Fitness is a mindset. It’s doing right by yourself. Inevitably, everyone falls off the horse. The key to success is getting back on with more dedication and a better focus on your ultimate goal.

Ready to Finally Crush Your Fitness Resolution?

If you’re ready to stop messing around and finally get into the best shape of your life, you need to come out to BodyRoc Fit Lab in West Hartford, CT. The brainchild and passion project of renowned fitness instructor Shaun Chambers, BodyRoc is the ultimate high-intensity group fitness class that is guaranteed to build muscle, torch body fat, and give you the best workout you’ve ever had. The classes at BodyRoc are all inclusive, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, male or female. Check out the class schedule, and reserve your spot! Got questions? We’ve got answers! Give us a shout today!

I’m sure many of you have seen the photos and videos of BodyRoc’s new mitt training program offered by trainer Gil Pinero. I spoke to Gil, a 15-year professional in MMA fighting, boxing and kick boxing and he shared the benefits of this training. The training in itself will offer members a dynamic approach to the world of boxing and as Gil mentioned, the intent is to make sure you leave each training better than when you came in.

I had the opportunity to experience the mitt training back when it was being introduced during Friday’s KnockOut classes. I quickly learned that it is a great addition to the heavy bag training. For starters, you’re working with another physical being that is giving you instructions on what punches to throw. These instructions switch rapidly so it keeps you sharp and on your toes as oppose to following a combo. There’s a lot more movement in this training that you wouldn’t get in front of a heavy bag. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn the correct way to throw a punch. After my first mitt training, I realized that I had been throwing my cross punch wrong and it was Gil who corrected me. The next time I worked with the heavy bag, I felt more confident and stronger.

The heavy bag is a great tool to prepare you for mitt training at BodyRoc FitLab. It allow you to unleash a lot of power, speed and enhance your footwork, which can all be applied during your one on one with Gil; you’ll be able to navigate through those 30 minutes like a champ!

This added training, like any session at BodyRoc FitLab, is what you make of it. The more you put into this training, the more calories you’ll burn…the more muscle you’ll gain! 30 minutes of intense mitt training is equivalent to an hour on the Trueform treadmill! The key element to mitt training is that Gil will make you sweat and work hard. As Gil says, “Having me in front of you, I will drive you, I will push you!” and it’s something he stays committed to during your training. On the heavy bag, you are your worst enemy and there’s no one on the opposite end to keep you moving or saying, “Throw that punch harder!”

Gil will analyze and adjust your training to not only make you better but stronger than before.

If you’re interested in signing up, send an click here to send an email with your your desired date/time and she will check Gil’s availability to confirm your session. Each sessions is $60.00 for 30 minutes of one on one training. This will be a great addition to those who are seeking an extra push during the 7-Week Summer Shred Challenge.

Happy Training,
Danny Alvarado, A dedicated BodyRoc’er

With just a few days left until the 7 Week Summer Shred Challenge, everyone is getting ready to embark on a fun and exciting journey to reach their fitness goals. The challenge, which consists of 7-weeks of high energy and high intensity workouts, is one to ensure all levels of fitness goals are met. This time around, you can win yourself a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas!

I’ve participated in two challenges in the past and I’ve felt the highs, lows and all the in betweens of this challenge and can assure you that it is all worth it in the end. Although it’s a challenge, and at the end one male and one female will come out on top, sailing off to the Bahamas–did I mention winners get a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas? — I can’t help but feel this challenge builds a form of comradery between members.

So, whether you’ve already signed up for the challenge, or are on the fence about joining, I’ve compiled a short list of advice and tips to help you through the seven weeks:

• Attend as many classes as you can; part of the challenge is you get 7-weeks of unlimited group personal training! Capitalize on this by booking the sessions, show up and show out! You will reap the benefits when you’re reviewing your before and after photos and body composition scans at the end.

• Talk to other members and trainers. You’ll be surprised at the amount of knowledge everyone has. From nutrition, to workouts, to your actual body scan results, BodyRoc has extensive knowledge to help you reach your goals. When you sign up, you gain exclusive access to a private Facebook support group. This is a great place to form connections, ask questions and see what everyone is doing as far as workouts and meal ideas. You’ll also get motivation and videos from BodyRoc’s experienced trainers!

• Nutrition is KEY! They say abs are made in the kitchen, and I have to agree. I’ve worked out so much but my diet was never at the same level of commitment. When I made diet changes I noticed even more results. Find a diet/meal plan that works for you and stick to it. BodyRoc has partnered with The Diet Doc Greater Hartford to provide an awesome deal on nutrition plans: for $150.00 (a 40% savings) you’ll receive a 1:1 consultation, customized meal plan, summary reviews and email updates from The Diet Doc. This bonus can have you sailing off to the Bahamas! For more information visit The Diet Doc Greater Hartford.

• Most importantly, HAVE FUN! There’s a reason why BodyRoc is The Most Entertaining Workout. Reason being, in between the moments of running, lifting and boxing, the music fills the room and you can’t help but to have a dance off with one of the trainers, or with the person next to you.

The 7-Week Summer Shred Challenge kicks off on Sunday, June 17th. Be sure to speak to the welcome desk the next time you’re at the lab about signing up. I look forward to seeing you kick ass and getting the results you are so deserving of!

Happy Shredding!

Signed,

Danny Alvarado, A Dedicated BodyRoc’er