And no! We are not here to talk about the episode of the popular horror American web TV series, “Into the Dark” (however, the sinister discussed in the oncoming text is no less horrific towards our health). 

“By the next summer, I’m going to have a bikini body.”

“This new year, my resolution is going to have a healthier lifestyle and more exercise.”

“By next year, I will fit into that skirt/ pant/ t-shirt/ dress.”

“I am going to cut my alcohol intake.”

The sentences might not be exactly the same bit somewhere we all have made the same resolution along the same lines, i.e., to be a better, fitter, and healthier version of us. Yet somehow, the months go by, and we end up staying exactly the same. Although the gyms are open and we are well towards the end of the year, the pandemic hangover has made it difficult for some to get back to the fitness regime in full throttle. Plus, unlike what most of the social media stories and media buzz might be reporting, home quarantine has undoubtedly made it tougher to stick to our fitness goals while adding to those pounds. 

It would be better if we could engrave one thing across our mind about fitness for ourselves: It’s not just about making our body look a certain way. It’s about being fit emotionally, mentally, and in an overall sense. There are studies that scientifically back the fact that our mental firepower is directly linked to our daily physical regimen. To sum up, it’s literally about being the best version of ourselves. 

However, since you end up making this resolution for yourself, the problem isn’t about understanding the value of fitness. It’s about sticking to your goals. 

If you are familiar with the mnemonic acronym SMART typically used in management and personal development, this is exactly what you need to do with your fitness regime. Originating in November 1981, the criteria was put forward in a research paper that demonstrated how organizations and departments could achieve more efficiency by breaking down their objectives into:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Assignable
• Realistic
• Time-related 

If you look at the first initial of every word, it ends up making S.M.A.R.T when combined.

Now, how to incorporate it for your New Year, New You fitness goals?

SPECIFIC: Rather than saying I’m going to exercise, specify a goal.

Example: Say you are going to get 10,000 steps in daily, run 3 km, burn 1000 calories through exercise this week

MEASURABLE: Get a fitness tracker, a smartwatch, or an app to track your calories, step count, or a weighing machine to keep your weight in check.

ASSIGNABLE: Your fitness goals need to be realistic and achievable. You cannot expect to run a marathon in three days. Also, while upgrading your workouts, make sure to make it gradual. Do not forget to supplement your health with a good diet. If you consume alcohol or junk food, invest in the best liver cleanse program for a proper detox.

REALISTIC: Your fitness regime needs to match your current lifestyle and be relevant to you. Make sure your plan fits your daily activities, making it more doable for constant motivation.

TIME-RELATED: A goal without a timeline is just a wish. Track your progress weekly and make sure that it’s easy to commit to while boosting your workouts. 

Above all, don’t beat yourself up for your human tendencies. It’s okay to slip as long as you don’t give up. Have a quality liver cleanse program in your cabinet to clear your system off the junk as you tighten your grip over your health for the new year.