Fitness flop: Why your fitness resolutions are failing

Fitness needs to be fun and challenging. You know yourself, so pick a program that fits your personality and lifestyle. You can work out at the gym, take classes, hike, run, walk, lift weights or do an at-home program — the possibilities are endless. Make sure you pick a few to do that you are likely to enjoy and stick with. Don’t just pick the latest fad that won’t keep your interest past January.

The last thing you want to do is do too much, too fast. You will either get so sore that you cannot work out for days, or you will burn yourself out because you can’t keep your pace up. Ease into your program and go at your own pace. Don’t let yourself off the hook, and don’t over-exert yourself right away. Slowly build up to the level of fitness you are aiming for. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Make sure you don’t let yourself get too comfortable with your workouts. Muscle confusion is necessary to keep your body in shape. If your muscles know exactly what to expect, you’re no longer going to see the results you once did. Always have changes for your body to adapt to. If you exercise primarily indoors, take it outside — or vice versa. This will also help keep you motivated and interested.

If you are not keeping track of your progress and holding yourself accountable, you are unlikely to succeed. Work out with a friend and keep track of your daily progress with an app like myfitnesspal, which counts food and exercise calories for you. If you don’t want to use an app, simply use a pen and paper to keep track of what you eat, how much you work out and the progress you have made in inches and pounds.

Women are notorious for comparing themselves to others. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap. This can cause you to give up or choose workout programs that aren’t for you. Be yourself and have confidence that you are doing what is right for you and your body. Don’t compare yourself to others — compare yourself to your old self.

Make sure you listen to what your body is trying to tell you. If you have allergy or sinus issues without a fever, you are probably fine to go ahead with your workout. If you have a fever or feel like you need rest, listen to your body and let yourself recover. Your body will let you know exactly what you need to do.