New Year's Resolution: Getting in Shape and Tips for Doing So

Sports Reporter Mark Molz provides tips for readers about making personal fitness a New Year's Resolution, and how to stay committed to this goal throughout the year. 

By Mark Molz
Sports Reporter

New Year’s resolutions can be hard and if you are like me, exercising more and working on eating better always seems to be one of the resolutions I find myself thinking about as the calendar turns.

Your health is extremely important and as we are still living in a COVID-19 world where going outside can be daunting, it may be difficult to get the exercise you want. Your physical and mental health are both things that you should be aware of and by reaching goals you set for yourself weekly or even daily can help you during these times.

Here are some tips and ideas to hopefully help you get out of the house and stay active:

1. Find a Gym

Right now a lot of gyms are closed and the thought of working out next to a bunch of people that have been who knows where is not the most ideal situation. But, there are gyms who have moved their services to the outside and with a mask requirement in place it might just be enough to help put your mind at ease to get out there and start lifting weights again. 

2. Make Time to go on a Walk/Run

There have been plenty of days where I find myself getting locked on the computer screen for hours on end and it isn’t until late that I realize I haven’t made time to get some fresh air. Setting aside 20-30 minutes of your day to step outside and go on a walk or run (with a mask on) is a great way to get your steps in. 

Leaving behind your phone and electronics to get some much needed sun and exercise is a great way to clear your head and work on your fitness. I have found myself going on many more walks since quarantine began and have made them longer as the days have passed.

3. Create a Meal Plan

Not everyone has time in their day to go to a gym or get the exercise they would have liked. But, if you can’t find time to get outside and move around it shouldn’t stop you from eating healthy. The food you eat is just as important (maybe even more) as your exercise. Finding the right meal plan can be difficult if you don’t know where to start, but it is not as hard as you might think.

You don’t need to just eat vegetables or fruit or cut out carbs to eat healthy. The web is filled with videos, articles, and information on proper nutrition and by doing just a little research every day you can find healthy and good foods that work for you. 

4. Track Your Progress

As you begin to workout and eat healthy don’t forget to keep track of how far you have come. Find an app that tracks your food intake, how long you exercise, and more. Setting goals for yourself and tracking them as often as possible is a good way to keep track of what you have done as the year begins. 

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These are just a few ideas to get yourself ready for the new year. When setting goals for yourself or thinking about your New Year’s resolutions it is important to be realistic. Set goals that you know you can accomplish and ones that help you stay dedicated.