By Shaun Delliskave | [email protected]

You did so well starting on your New Year’s fitness resolutions. But come February, you’re back to channel surfing and comfort eating. The Murray Journal spoke to Kalen Adams, fitness manager of Murray’s newly opened EōS Fitness (5550 S. 900 East), about getting back on the exercise bandwagon.

“We all set goals for ourselves in the New Year—lots of times to prioritize our health and fitness by getting back into the gym. But studies have shown that nearly 80% of us who make New Year’s resolutions drop them by mid-February. This is what we call the ‘fitness cliff,’” Adams said.

Fitness trainers stress the importance of taking steps to anticipate your daily schedule, figure out where you can fit in fitness, and set yourself up for success. They also recommend considering blocking off time on your calendar and set alarms to remind yourself it’s time to work out.

“The easiest way to avoid the ‘fitness cliff’ is to stay consistent,” Adams said. “The best way to stay consistent is through accountability.”

Personal productivity experts have found goals are more achievable when they are written down. Making your goals visible and sharing your progress with others will help keep you accountable and keep you on track to meet your fitness goals.

“One thing our team members often share with our members is that by writing down what your targets are, you are much more likely to achieve them,” Adams said. “If you actually write them down and have someone holding you accountable, it’s proven that you are 95% more likely to achieve your goals. So, when you’re at the edge of the ‘fitness cliff’ and need a plan to step back, the first thing you can do is make sure you have a written plan of what you’re trying to accomplish. The second thing is to make sure you have someone to hold you accountable, whether personally, like a personal trainer, fitness buddy, spouse or family member. It helps. It’s proven. The more people you tell, the more people that know what you are committed to and what you are trying to accomplish, the better your chances are for success.”

After you have written your goal of completing 100 pushups and start on your first 10, but give up when you reach 20—you’re not alone if the charm wears off. Adams recommends adding variety to your workouts.

“Mix up your workouts to avoid burn out. Consider fun options like group fitness classes, at-home workouts, or different amenities you don’t normally utilize at the gym. Make it a priority to try a new class or a new piece of equipment every few weeks to stay motivated,” Adams said.

Knowing where to start and what type of schedule to keep can also eliminate the frustration of not seeing the results you want from your fitness plan. According to Adams, “The best part about working with a personal trainer is that they will follow up with you. Those regular follow-ups will be structured, and they will push you to stay on top of your goals.

“It’s easy to get caught up in your daily routine and push aside your fitness goals. We all do it. At the end of the day, the best tool you can utilize is creating a plan. That plan should include a schedule. Don’t just commit to going to the gym three times a week. Establish what time of day and which days you are going to make it work. I ask my clients what steps they are going to take to make sure that happens. For example, if you are going to go to the gym after work, you better make sure that you pack a bag, so you don’t have to go home first. I know if I come home from work, I’m not going back out. So, pack a bag, prep it with items you need, and make sure you are following the steps to make it happen.”

Whether your goals are to feel better physically or fit into the clothes you bought last summer, Adams reminds us to keep things in perspective and cut yourself some slack.

“Remember your ‘why’ for making your fitness New Year’s resolution in the first place and grant yourself some grace. We’re only human,” Adams said.