How to Finish 2021 Strong & Healthy
Have you ever run a race?
Most of us start off really strong and excited. We often finish in different ways though. Some pick it up at the end and sprint through that finish line on top. Others start off too hard and end up having to walk across the finish line. Still others don’t even make it till the end.
If the year 2021 is like a race, then we are just about to cross that finish line. The end of the year can be a busy, stressful time. For many, healthy habits, diet and exercise can fall apart. If you want to get a head start on 2022, then NOW is the time to really dig in and focus on your healthy habits.
If you want to finish 2021 strong and healthy, then read up on some tips!
How to Finish 2021 Strong & Healthy
Pace Yourself
If you are participating in a longer race, they tell you not to go all out right away and lose all your stream. The same applies for life. It’s nearly impossible to maintain going all out all the time. That’s why we recommend making sure to take those rest days and to listen to your body. It’s why we mix it up and include lower impact fitness classes in addition to higher impact classes.
Think about the rest of the month of December. How can you set yourself up so that you are maintaining a healthy fitness routine and diet throughout the rest of year? Instead of planning to go all out seven days a week for the rest of they year, take a good look at your calendar and take note of the busier times of the week and where you can schedule your workouts and meal planning in. When you schedule your fitness classes and your meal planning and prep in, you are more likely to do it.
Practice Under Pressure
If we’re sticking with the running theme, runners will often practice running under pressure before the race. For short periods of time, they’ll try to recreate the race settings and go as hard as they can. Now we’re not telling you to go all out and recreate all the high pressured, stressful times in your life. However, you can take a good look at all of the major obstacles that pop up and tend to get in the way of your healthy routine.
Make a list of those obstacles and come up with plans on how you are going to overcome them. If you know you can’t resist overindulging on the holiday sweets, don’t keep them in the house longer than you have to. Make cookies, portion out a few for you and your family and donate the rest. If you know you have a hard time working up the energy to get your workout done after work, then plan to get your workout done first thing in the morning.
Focus on Your Form
At the end of a long race, runners get tired. Just like in class, when you are tired, you can lose track of your form. So, a surefire way to finish a race and the year strong is to focus on that form. We don’t just mean focus on your form in class (though that’s always important!). We mean to really take some time to be present. The end of the year can be a stressful and busy time. It can be so crazy that we forget to actually stop and enjoy ourselves and our family and friends.
Be aware of your feelings throughout the rest of the year. Let go of trying to do all the things if those things are making you stressed out. And don’t forget to take some time for you.
Want to get a head start on the new year? Finish 2021 with a free week of unlimited classes! Already a member and want a little push? Take advantage of your VIP call with us!
