Smash your fitness goals this year with a few simple tricks and tips.
New Year’s resolutions of working out and taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle are frequently out the window by the end of February! It could be from losing interest, unforeseen obstacles, or trying to commit to a number of big changes all at one time. Luckily, there are ways to combat these obstacles and hurdles and position yourself to smash your goals in 2019.
Staying on track can seem impossible at times, especially with how busy day-to-day life can be. Identifying potential obstacles and motivational interruptions is a good start. For example, don’t plan to be at the gym on days where your schedule is packed or inconsistent. Missing one planned session can snowball easily. Try to plan your workouts on days that are most predictable and where you have the biggest chunk of time available at once.
Keeping it fun is also a great way to maintain interest. Choose activities you really enjoy. Remember it isn’t always necessary to work out in a gym. There are ice rinks, pools, and even the great outdoors! Take advantage of what’s around you. Join a class, have a workout buddy or invite a friend to attend a class with you. Having someone with to you who is working towards the same goal can be an extra boost of motivation! The accountability of knowing they expect you to show up can be an encouraging factor as well.
Contrary to popular belief, it takes much longer than twenty-one days to form a habit. Sixty-six days is much more accurate, but this too will vary. Breaking up the days into segments will help make it seem more doable and prevent you from losing interest. For the first twenty-two days, focus on endurance and general fitness. After that, pick something to concentrate on that you really want to improve such as strength or agility. Change up your workout routine in order to keep it from becoming redundant. Make it fun!
Now that you have a few tips and tricks to help you stay focused and reach your goals, be sure to write them down and get started. If you are looking for a coach to help you, or a team to train with, come check out A2. Happy New Year everyone! From our A2 family to yours!
"Dan was great to work with, as was the whole staff at A2 PT. I have been through PT on my shoulders twice before with different places and by far this has been my best experience. As a fit person, who wanted to remain active during my recovery- I felt like my PT program covered that. Dan knew what my preferred activities were and tailored my treatment to be able to do those things. The treatment plan was more like a workout and I loved it. I felt like each week I was getting stronger. I also appreciated that I was asked for constant feedback about how I was feeling/doing. If I ever need PT again (fingers crossed I don’t) I’ll be back!"
− Tracey
"Last Sunday I played full court basketball for the first time in 15 years. I will qualify the contest by saying it happened on a court just out of the back door of an elder care center. The teams consisted of a 7 year old, an d8 year old, a young woman in flip-flops (I played in sandals), a woman who proudly stated she was 55 years old (I retorted with my age of 65), and a couple of other young guys that really played well. I ran the court, I played defense, blocked shots, made shots (missed a lot), got lots of rebounds, and talked a lot of smack while playing with a group of people a lot younger than me. I even made a behind the back-twisting fall-away shot, then fell and tumbled on the court. I jumped up and continued to play, and we played for about 45 minutes.
I attribute my ability to play this game that I love so much again to the excellent training receive from Kristy who is a trainer at A2 Physical Therapy. I have worked out and trained since I was very young. I played high school basketball, baseball, and I ran track. I spent 20 years in the Army with all the training requirements associated with that occupation. I played on community and city leagues, and I have trained with weights for many years. The training program Kristy has devised for me at A2 is rigorous, thorough, diverse, fun, challenging, and focused. She prepares workout plans that are age and fitness level appropriate. My work out now is so much different then it was when I first started. She both trains me individually and as a couple. I run, jump, stretch, lift, balance, squat, push, pull, and every other movement you can imagine. I look forward to going to my workout every time. Kristy is completely in charge of every workout. I am retired, and my training at A2 allows me to fill the need to accomplish something positive every day I work out. I am doing physical activity with ease that I would not have thought I would be able be able to accomplish at the age of 65 such as hiking on Mt Rainer and running 4 days per week. Kristy and A2 have really changed my life…"
− William
"A2 has been wonderful in helping me with my elbow pain. The skilled staff has attacked my ailment with an array of methods. I came in with 6-7/10 pain and after a few weeks my elbow is down to 1-2/10. The environment is warm and welcoming. The staff is friendly and very skilled. They take the time to listen and formulate a personalized plan. One of the tools they use is the Neubie. I have had amazing results using it. Its ability to target and safely load a specific area is very helpful. Overall, A2 is amazing and I would highly recommend it to any and all!"
− Kris