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7 golden rules for making 2022 your fittest year yet

7 golden rules for making 2022 your fittest year yet MAIN

It isn’t too late to start those new year, new you resolutions. Vanessa Gebhardt, Training Specialist and Mindset Coach for Freeletics reveals 7 golden rules for making 2022 your fittest year yet

It seems February should be the new January when it comes to losing weight.

According to the Diet Index report, created by The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, a whopping seven in ten of the nation (that’s 71 per cent!) say the pressure to lose weight or get fit in January makes it harder to succeed and that if they started their diet in February, they would be more successful.

There is no denying that the start of a new year brings on a frenzy of resolutions, especially when it comes to health and fitness.

the pressure to lose weight or get fit in January makes it harder to succeed

But what is the best approach to ensure success and make 2022 your fittest year yet (other than starting your resolutions in Feb)?

Healthista spoke to Vanessa Gebhardt, Training Specialist and Mindset Coach at AI-based fitness and lifestyle coaching app Freeletics who reveals seven golden rules on how you can make 2022 your fittest year yet…

Rule #1 Try a new way of training

If you have hit the point where you feel your motivation and fitness levels are reaching a plateau, you may want to change the way you train, and the beginning of the new year is the perfect time to do this.

Set yourself a goal to try a new form of training or exercise each week, you never know, you may find your new favourite workout or exercise.

Doing this will also allow you to change up your routine, to keep your body guessing and progressing.

woman swimming

Rule #2 Train more consistently

There could be many reasons why you are struggling with training consistently.

Sometimes there is a distinct difference between what we want to do and what we can really do, and if we feel disheartened or disappointed this could cause a break in training and lead to you falling off the consistency bandwagon.

Should this happen, it is important to remind yourself of the basics and ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does my planned weekly training fit with my schedule? If it does not, then you might want to trim it down or rethink your priorities.
  • Is the time allocated for each training session realistic?
  • Are there any other times during the week where you can put in a longer session, or times where a shorter session means you will be less likely to skip a workout?

Once you have planned your training regime, be ready to modify it in case something unexpected happens.

It is better to keep some elements of consistency even through you’re not necessarily performing at your best or training as much as you would like.

Rule #3 Stretch before bed

To achieve something easily that will help make 2022 your fittest year yet, you should start stretching before you go to sleep.

This should be something you do every single night as it will help relax your body before you go to sleep.

Stretching can also help your body to become more flexible and aid the recovery of your muscles.

woman stretching in bedroom

Rule #4 Find your reason

Take some time to discover why you really want to get fitter and make 2022 your fittest year yet.

You should ask yourself ‘why?’ approximately five times to get down to your core belief.

Once you know why you’re doing this, remind yourself about it regularly and just focus on getting the work done.

Its normal to feel unmotivated some days. However, knowing what drives you and keeps you going is powerful. Take time to ask yourself what motivates you.

Rule #5 Visualise your goal

The mind is very powerful thing, and if you believe you can, you’re already halfway there.

If you feel your motivation wavering, take a few minutes to think about your goal, and how great you will feel once you do achieve it.

take a few minutes to think about your goal

Doing this before a workout will also help you to push yourself that little bit harder.

If this is a new technique for you, Freeletics offers a range of free audio courses within the app that can help you to find your motivation and visualise your goals – a sure-fire way of reaching and succeeding them.

woman having a masaage

Rule #6 Instant gratification

If you are struggling to stay motivated, treat yourself to something afterwards for making your workout happen – sometimes just thinking about the reward is enough to get you through a gruelling workout.

For maximum benefit, make sure you keep the rewards healthy, so maybe a new pair of leggings or sports bra, or a relaxing massage to sooth your muscles and promote recovery.

Rule #7 Give meditation a try

Writing down your thoughts and ideas in the form of journaling can help you to get organised and take your mind off things which could hamper your progress.

begin with a to-do list or simply write down your daily goals

If you are not sure where to start, just begin with a to-do list or simply write down your daily goals.

Journaling helps to give your life more structure, and checking the boxes gives you a feeling of achievement, proving you can reach your goals with a healthy mindset.

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