3 Reasons New Fitness Plans Fail
Did you know that approximately 85% of all New Year’s fitness resolutions are abandoned by the third week in January? At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know that’s not the news you want to hear if you are one of our Manhattan patients that are committed to getting in shape for 2023. Take heart, however. Knowing why fitness resolutions fail can help you head off these fitness plan flamethrowers before they take you down. Below are common reasons people don’t stick with a new exercise plan and what to do about them.
You haven’t defined your why. Believe it or not, just wanting to “get in shape” or lose some weight isn’t a specific enough goal. Ask yourself, “why do I want to lose weight, get physically fit, etc.” Maybe you have a hiking vacation planned for this summer or you’re getting married and have a certain idea of how you want to look on your honeymoon. Maybe you’re expecting your first grandchild and have concerns about keeping up! Whatever the reason behind your desire, you need to define it and get something tangible (maybe that sonogram photo?) that will remind you of your goal and keep you motivated.
Trying to do too much too soon. It’s not uncommon when you’re in a hurry to see results, to begin your exercise plan somewhere in the middle instead of at the beginning. Setting a goal of running 3 miles a day when you haven’t even mastered a 1-mile walk is a surefire way to guarantee you don’t make it past the first month. It also increases the risk of overuse injuries, such as Achilles tendonitis and shin splints, which can be doubly discouraging because you won’t be able to exercise if you’re hurt. Start at your current fitness level and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workout.
You and your fitness plan are a mismatch. The way you choose to become physically fit needs to be something you’ll enjoy and that will actually work with your life. If you hate the cold, don’t pick walking outdoors in the winter! Do you need alone time? Forget a crowded gym. Or, if you’re very social, consider enlisting an exercise buddy. Your chances of success are much higher if you look forward to your fitness activity rather than dread it.
Before beginning any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician and your podiatrist. This is particularly important if you’ve suffered a foot or ankle injury in the past or have an ongoing podiatric problems. Contact our Upper West Side office (212-877-1002) and let one of our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff evaluate your feet and help you find an exercise plan you can stick with.