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*Pool closes at 7:45 PM See full hours
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The Importance of Setting Realistic Fitness Goals for the New Year

Man Exercising Running up Stairs

Fitness goals are an essential part of your wellness journey. By setting goals, you are better able to hold yourself accountable, show yourself what you are capable of, and can also help you push through the more difficult moments to make a longer-lasting change.

At Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, we want to see you succeed and meet your fitness goals! To help you stick with your goals this year, we’ve put together some tips from our expert staff that will help you set realistic, sustainable fitness goals for a happier, healthier you!

Work on One Goal at a Time

“Set small, attainable goals. Strive to reach each goal one at a time, so you are not overwhelmed, and you can keep yourself motivated!” – Kali Aloia, Registered Dietitian.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting goals is that they try to accomplish too much at once. Whether you want to go to the gym every day or cut out added sugar, work on getting into a routine at the gym and then work on changing your diet, rather than trying to overwhelm yourself and do it all at once.

Personalize Your Goals

“Make it fun. Pick classes or activities that you actually enjoy, so that your fitness routine is something rewarding versus something that you dread.” – Elysia Newman, Brand Manager.

While scrolling through Instagram, you may become inspired by top athletes or fitness gurus and what they do to maintain their fitness, but keep in mind that it may not work for you. It is essential for you to try different things and find out what you enjoy doing for exercise. If your favorite fitness buff does Pilates, but you dread going to the class, it’s time to choose something different that you enjoy. This will help you stick to your goals.

Start Small

“Set achievable goals. You are more likely to set yourself up for success when you set up realistic and obtainable goals for yourself.” – Catherine Stache, Fitness Manager.

By starting your journey to reach your goal with something more manageable and more attainable in mind, you are more likely to work through any of the mental blocks that can hinder your progress. A smaller, achievable goal, such as going to the gym twice a week, is more realistic than setting the goal to go to the gym every single day when you are just starting your journey. If you set an overwhelming goal, it can cause a drop in your confidence, making you less likely to stick to it, but when you set and achieve small goals, you can start with a few important wins.

Be Patient and Think Long-term

“The body benefits from movement, the mind from stillness. Be patient with yourself as you journey through this world of health and fitness.” – Sam Bellhy, Kids Activities Supervisor.

It is crucial to play the long game when working towards your goals. Of course, we all wish for instant gratification, but it is important to be realistic about how long it will take you to reach your goal and accept that lasting changes take time. If you pick a goal that can be achieved over several months or a year, it will help you develop a long-term mentality.

Enjoy Your Health and Wellness Journey

“Enjoy the journey for reaching your goal. This is the time that you will learn the most about yourself.” – Valerie Viscardi, Fitness Supervisor.

Becoming a healthier, more fit you is a long journey, with many small wins along the way. Allow yourself to enjoy learning new things, eating new foods, and gaining new confidence in yourself. Self-improvement should be fun, and it will show you what you can achieve when you put your mind to it! Allow yourself to enjoy working towards your goals and be sure to reflect proudly on your accomplishments, big or small.

Don’t Let a Setback Throw You off Track

“Setbacks happen, but they are not an excuse to quit, they are a reason to recommit to becoming a better you.” – Matt Prescott, Operations Manager.

 Maybe you’ve been busy and have avoided the gym for a week or two, or you’ve overindulged on sweets, and now you are feeling down about yourself. Don’t feel like a failure. Life will get in the way of your journey and you have to learn to accept the setback and continue to move forward. Remember what is motivating our journey, whether you want to complete a marathon or become healthier for your family, don’t forget your “why” and don’t allow a setback to derail your journey completely.

Don’t Overdo It

“Honor your body – listen to your body and take a break when necessary.” – Sandy Rollo-DeLong, Yoga Instructor.

Whether you are a regular at the gym or are just starting to get into a routine, it is important to listen to your body and to avoid overexerting yourself. Doing too much too fast can lead to injury, which can cause setbacks in your fitness journey. It is essential to pay attention to your body and how you are feeling to determine if you need to take a break to avoid wearing yourself out or causing injury.

Need Help Getting a Jumpstart on the New Year? Visit Us Today!

At Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, we have a wide range of health and wellness services to help you achieve your goals. With expert registered dieticians, fitness classes, state of the art exercise equipment, as well as spa services such as massages, we can help you feel the burn, learn better eating habits, or to relax after a busy day. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you reach your goals!

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