Signs It’s Time to Reevaluate Your Fitness Resolution Image Credit: Pixabay You had good intentions when you created your latest fitness goal, but then things changed. Maybe you never clearly defined your goal, so you don’t really understand how to get started or maybe you did great for a couple of weeks, but now your motivation has waned and you can’t seem to get back on track. Regardless of the reason that you can’t achieve your goal, keep in mind that it’s okay to reevaluate your plans and make changes as needed. Review the signs below to figure out if it’s time to tweak your fitness ambitions. You Hate It Change isn’t always fun, but there’s a big difference between wanting to take a day or two off from the gym and wishing you had never signed up to begin with. You can’t easily achieve a goal that doesn’t appeal to you, so it’s important to create plans that you’re passionate about. Identify why you hate your goal so that you can determine whether your disgust stems from self-doubt or just a general hatred for the resolution you’ve established. If you hate your goal because you’re scared it’s unattainable, break it into smaller goals. Instead of saying you’ll run a marathon by the end of the year, make it a goal to sign up for a 5K or run around your neighborhood without stopping to rest. After you hit that goal, you can set a bigger one. If you dislike everything about your goal, create a different fitness goal. If you’ve vowed to work out more often but hate the gym, sign up for a group fitness class or start swimming at a local indoor pool. If your goal is to exercise an hour a day, reduce it to 15 minutes and work your way up. You’re Overdoing It Did you know that it’s possible to get too much exercise? If you set a fitness goal that’s too difficult, the workouts may take a toll on your body. Missed menstrual cycles, insomnia, and lack of appetite are all signs that your exercise routine might be too intense. If you experience these issues regularly, take 1 to 2 weeks off from your routine and see if that helps. If not, it’s time to reevaluate your goal. You should also visit a healthcare professional to rule out medical concerns that may be causing your symptoms. It’s Too Expensive The average gym membership costs around $60 a month, and that doesn’t include other expenses, such as workout attire or wearable fitness technology. You may also rack up fees paying for a personal trainer or participating in group exercise classes. These fees aren’t a problem if you can easily afford them, but what if you’re struggling to pay rent or put gas in your car? That’s a sign that you need to cut back on some fitness-related expenses. Before you cancel your gym membership or withdraw from your fitness classes, talk to a manager about your financial situation. You may be able to lower your monthly payments or put your membership on a temporary hold. If you decide to work out at home, take your dog on a walk and get some fresh air. Or follow along with a fitness video--there are a lot of free options available on YouTube. When you make a fitness goal, you aren’t stuck with it forever. Life changes, so sometimes you have to adjust your goals. You aren’t giving up; you’re simply adjusting your plans to better suit your needs. Physical fitness is about more than just looking good. It’s about feeling good. It can keep you from experiencing (or help if you’re already experiencing) mental health issues, which can lead you down dangerous paths such as substance abuse, depression, etc. Don’t let your fitness goals fall by the wayside. Reevaluate them and make sure they’re attainable. Author: Paige Johnson
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