It is that time of year again where many people start thinking about the New Year’s Resolutions that they will be making. When I talk to people that do make New Year’s Resolutions I find that some of the most common themes surround fitness and finances. But maybe the two F’s do not need to be exclusive of each other…..
If you are a New Year’s Resolution type of person and this year you are focusing on fitness and finances, then read on to get a few ideas on how to make the two work together to keep the resolution on track all year long.
If you are on a budget then maybe a gym membership is not what you need to be looking for. One of the best ways I find to fit in a little physical activity is going for a nice, brisk walk. If you like to run, then make it a run instead of a walk. Invest in a good pair of walking or running shoes instead of the gym pass and get the family out there together walking. Not only will you have a great time chatting and catching up on things that have happened during each other’s day, but walking together I find makes the walk more enjoyable and pass by a lot quicker. Having it as a family or even a friend walking routine or group tends to make everyone commit because when one person is tired or wanting to not go, there are other people to act as the motivator.
Committing and being motivated to go even when you are tired or busy is what makes many of us end up not following through on our fitness resolutions so maybe find a local sports team to join. In our area, there are City programs where you can join a team for just about any sport and many of them are affordable. I used to be on a volleyball team with friends so there were minimal costs to play and going with a friend and having a team that I was committed to showing up for was what made sure I was there every week.
Don’t worry if you have not played the team sport in years and are maybe not the top of your game, it is about getting out there and moving so that you are healthy mentally and physically.
If you are the type of person that likes going to a gym find a gym buddy. Everything is easier with a buddy and a person to make you go when you want to just go home after a long busy day. But before you hop on down to that local gym and purchase your membership make sure you shop around.
Compare what each of the gyms closest to you have for equipment, classes, and times they are open. What are the costs for joining? Are there any hidden fees? Are their hours good for when you know you can make it to the gym? Be realistic when deciding if their hours are a good fit for you. If you are committing to going to the gym at 4 am is that realistic? Is there a contract at the gym that gets you stuck paying for a certain length of time? Is there a fee if you cancel your membership?
Before you get that gym membership make sure you realistically have the time to get to the gym. As a busy mom on the go who has a career, kid’s in multiple sports, and a house to help run, I do not have time for getting to the gym. So I pass by this option for now. So make sure you are realistic in your ability to actually get to a gym. Don’t just have good intentions, make sure that they are realistic with the demands that are on your time already.
If you assess your schedule and realize that you can’t make it to the gym, remember back to that going for a walk or run suggestion I first had…well how about a group of you doing that run or walk while your kids are at hockey practice, soccer practice, lacrosse practice etc. Get a gang of parents together and get moving while your kids are. Do it during their practices so you don’t miss their games.
I found a really awesome and informative infographic on hitting those financial and fitness goals at the same time over at Loan and Go…
The above infographic gives a number of additional good tips to keep you on track.
Check out apps available for your phone or device that will help you track your progress. Seeing what you are achieving is always a great motivator. That includes not only for your fitness goals but your financial goals as well.
If you are not the app type of person then do it old school and journal your fitness and financial journeys. Seeing what you have achieved for your health and finances will be rewarding. You can then start to see patterns, times where you found more success, and help those steamroll into better planning and more success.
In the end, though, my three biggest suggestions for New Year’s Resolutions are as follows:
- Make your fitness and financial resolutions realistic so that you can stay on track. Most people give up their resolutions within the first couple of weeks of the new year because they set themselves up for failure with unrealistic goals.
- Use the buddy system. Having a buddy makes everything easier. Whether it is a fitness routine or a savings challenge, having a family member or friend doing the challenge with you makes it not only more fun, but a heck of a lot more motivating.
- Don’t beat yourself up if you fall off track. Reassess, realign, regroup and get moving forward again. Goals can be adjusted especially if it keeps you going.
To all my fans, I hope that you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. Remember to come on over at any time and say hello, especially if you need a motivating friend. 
Here is to a healthy, happy, prosperous 2018. xoxo