Get Moving in 2024: Tips to Finally Achieve Your Fitness Resolutions

A new year often prompts us to set lofty health and fitness goals. Lose weight, get stronger, run a race – it’s probably on someone’s list of resolutions. But how do we make 2024 the year we actually follow through on these goals? Here are my top 7 tips for achieving your fitness resolutions:

1. Set SMART goals. Clearly defined goals and success measures make them easier to achieve. Describe specific activities, make them measurable and achievable, related to your larger goals, and tied to deadlines.  

2. Start small. Big changes fail more often, while small steps create habits. Could you do a 20-minute walk 3 times a week? If it becomes routine, increase to 4 days, then 5 days. Build from there. 

3. Take responsibility. Share your goals with a friend, join an online community, work with a personal trainer, use fitness technology to track your progress. Responsibility increases motivation. 

4. Book exercises. Just like appointments, mark exercise times on your calendar and treat them as priorities. Plan ahead so other commitments don’t interfere.

5. Prepare for obstacles. Identify past mistakes and roadblocks and then build solutions. When frustration or stagnation hits, you’ll have plans to push yourself through.  

6. Celebrate the small victories. Reward milestone achievements with non-food items. Mark progress for encouragement.

7. Be patient with yourself. Change is not linear. If you skip your workouts or gain a few pounds, don’t procrastinate or give up. Regroup and keep progressing.