Adapted from the American Psychological Association
Whether your goal for the New Year is to start exercising more, lose weight, work on flexibility, etc., the key to making your resolution work is to start with small and realistic goals. And if it happens to be using Pilates or Gyrotonic to improve your physical well-being, our team here at Core Arts Pilates is ready to help you meet your goals. Below are some helpful tips to ensure your success in 2019. And remember, we’re here to help!
It can be daunting when your list of New Year’s Resolutions is as long as your holiday shopping list. In addition to the post-holiday slump, not being able to keep your resolutions by February, March or even late January may increase your anxiety. When your holiday decorations are packed up and stored away, the frustration of an unused gym membership or other reminders of failed resolutions can make the later winter months feel hopeless.
However, it is important to remember that the New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes. It is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes. “Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1 can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” says psychologist Lynn Bufka, Ph.D. “Remember, it is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time.”
By making your resolutions realistic, there is a greater chance that you will keep them throughout the year, incorporating healthy behavior into your everyday life. APA offers these tips when thinking about a New Year’s resolution:
Start small
Make resolutions that you think you can keep. If, for example, your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four days a week at the gym instead of seven. If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt, instead of seeing your diet as a form of punishment.
Core Arts Pilates Tip: Schedule your Pilates/Gyrotonic sessions ahead of time, take advantage of the class packages which are discounted for our clients. This will allow you to develop a consistent schedule that will help you create a sustainable habit with your Pilates/Gyrotonic schedule.
Change one behavior at a time
Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time. Thus, replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, work toward changing one thing at a time.
Core Arts Pilates Tip: Life happens, and understandably sometimes you have to cancel your booked appointments. Stay committed to your goal and avoid canceling consecutive appointments. Make sure you make the next class after you cancel to stay on track. If applicable, a Skype session in place of your in-studio appointment is available.
Talk about it
Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as a workout class at your gym or a group of coworkers quitting smoking. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating.
Core Arts Pilates Tip: Stay in communication with your instructor. The staff is here to be of service to you to help you attain your goal and turn it to success.
Don’t beat yourself up
Perfection is unattainable. Remember that minor missteps when reaching your goals are completely normal and OK. Don’t give up completely because you ate a brownie and broke your diet, or skipped the gym for a week because you were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.
Core Arts Pilates Tip: Remember that all the ups and downs are meant are a part of your journey. Be mindful of how your course correct to get back on track, don’t get into a habit of beating yourself up. Keep your self talk positive, and check in with your instructor.
Ask for support
Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen strengthens your resilience and ability to manage stress caused by your resolution. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking help.
Core Arts Pilates Tip: Feel free to join the Core Arts Pilates Secret Group here on Facebook, our community are supportive of each other. Who knows, you might make a new friend while getting the inspiration you need to keep moving forward in support of your goals.