Just because you're not part of the nearly 50 percent of Americans who make New Year's Resolutions that include losing weight doesn't mean you shouldn't set new gym goals anyway. Chances are that the start of 2016 is making you think of new accomplishments you want to achieve in the next 12 months. As someone who has already developed a healthy habit of exercising regularly, you know that changing your routine can do you a lot of good.
"I am a believer in New Year's resolutions," says Travis Hawkins, fitness professional, pro triathlete and coach. If you missed setting goals around Halloween, then the start of the new year is a "good time for anyone to set goals and work to achieve them."
January 1 will be here before you know it. All of a sudden your gym is packed with newcomers working out. They are striving -- at least for a week or two -- to do what you've already succeeded. Be proud of yourself but remember that there is always room for improvement.
Hitting The Gym: New Year's Resolutions
Try to go with fresh eyes
"This is a great goal," Hawkins says. One new class a week can make your workouts a lot more fun and that's a nice way of looking at the hour you spend sweating. Switch between ...
Try to go with fresh eyes
... yoga, spinning and other classes for six weeks and incorporate them into your routine. "Use every service your gym offers," Hawkins adds. Get your money's worth.
Make friends at the gym
Having a buddy with you while working out is not just a great way to feel like time if flying by but it also serves as motivation. "It's all about accountability," Hawkins says. You are unlikely to ...
Make friends at the gym
... turn down a friend for a workout session if you've already made a commitment. It can be very helpful at the gym, he adds, if you approach someone who looks like they know what they're doing and say, 'Hey, can you show me?'" You’d be surprised how responsive people are.
Go back to basics
A professional athlete or not going, back to basics is always a great idea. "Crazy workouts are not necessarily efficient," Hawkins says. Try to do six to 10 weeks of one cycle of mastering the basics and working with different muscle groups. Then you can ...
Go back to basics
... move on to a more aggressive program. Remember that having fun is probably the most important "basic." If you're not enjoying your fitness, chances are you'll lose motivation and interest.
Try a new exercise
If there is just one new exercise you should include in your routine, it should be the deadlift, according to Hawkins. "If you do it properly, it's among the most effective." It uses most muscles of your body at one time. "It's very ...
Try a new exercise
... functional." The deadlift is similar to a squat, except you lift weights off the ground to the hips, and then lower it back.
Workout at a different time
If you work out in the morning, try going in the afternoon. Strength and endurance are both higher in the afternoon, while the likelihood of injuries is decreased. Switch it up the other way around, too. There are many studies that suggest ...
Workout at a different time
... that the best time for weight loss is early in the morning on an empty stomach. "Switching up your routine is always a good thing. Try for a week," Hawkins says. "It will certainly break some of the monotony." But stick with what works in the end, he adds.
Try a personal trainer
An experienced professional can help you reach your goals. A trainer's job is their job compared to a hobby for you. He or she certainly knows what an effective for the long run workout program should ...
Try a personal trainer
... include and won’t forget anything. Personal trainers also provide encouragement and help you stay focused. Last but not least, you pay them so now you have an obligation to not waste your money.
Give yourself a reward
This is a tricky one, Hawkins says. People often over-reward themselves. "Oh, I went to the gym so I can have that cake," but it doesn't work that way. Make sure your reward is a ...
Give yourself a reward
... healthy one such as eating more of that nutritious snack you like. "I have a client who gets a smoothie after every workout." It's a delicious prize for doing the healthy thing.
For the complete list of 10 New Year's Resolutions For Gym-Goers, go to TheActiveTimes.com.
More From The Active Times:
-- 11 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wait Until the New Year to Get In Shape
-- Myths About Overeating During the Holidays
-- How to Effortlessly Maintain Healthy Habits Through the Whole Holiday Season
-- Easy (Gym-Free) Ways to Stay Fit During the Holidays
