Resolutions challenge us. Sudden lifestyle changes can be daunting to undertake and difficult to sustain. Each year, we watch a swell at the Hanson Fitness and Lifestyle Centre (HFLC) as the U of A returns from winter break and starts into the new semester with renewed resolve.
As fitness professionals, we have noticed a common set of excuses that ultimately prevent people from reaching their goals: I don’t know what I’m doing, I don’t have time, and so forth. We want to help you break down these excuses and build positive habits.
Did you make a fitness resolution this year? Here are four of the most common excuses that stall New Year’s fitness resolutions — and tips for overcoming them:
How to beat it:
- Keep it simple. Try increasing your general movement and activity throughout each day — take the stairs on your way from the car to the office, schedule walking meetings, and take breaks that get you out of your chair. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology’s Activity Guidelines offer more tips to get you moving.
- Personal training can be a great way to get started on fitness goals. Talking to an exercise professional can boost your confidence, give you strategies for sustainable habit changes, and keep you accountable to your goals. Check out the HFLC training and nutrition programs, or flip through the Campus and Community Recreation program guide to find something that matches your goals.
- Don’t be shy — everyone starts somewhere! Ask facilities staff about the different spaces for activity, how to use equipment, or where to get help and information.
How to beat it:
- Change your mind set — move more! Drop-in recreation is a fun and low-stakes way to try out different activities. Climbing, fitness classes, badminton, basketball, squash, swimming, indoor and outdoor running — they’re all available on North or South campus.
- Join a recreational sports league. Edmonton has a great variety of recreational leagues, and there are also leagues at the U of A — Campus and Community Recreation (CCR) is open to everyone!
- Try a fitness class. Today, we have access to an enormous range of fitness activities. You can register for a specific class, or try a bit of everything with drop-in passes. Yoga, Zumba, TRX, Bootcamp — just check out CCR’s Winter Recreation Guide.
- Take advantage of the outdoors! Try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or skating on the open rinks in your neighborhood.
- Recruit a friend. If you’re a student, you might try the workout buddies program. Otherwise, arrange a workout schedule with a coworker or colleague — it will be more enjoyable, and you can keep each other accountable.
How to beat it:
- Try other locations! The South Campus fitness centre offers a smaller, more intimate facility. Or, get out of the gym altogether: the pavilion track and stairs are a great venue to change up your cardio routine.
- Borrow equipment from the HFLC or Facility services desk, and do a whole body circuit workout outside the gym (see below). Grab an open studio (pro tip: check the Dance Studio drop-in schedule)Dance Studio drop-in schedule) or head to the Clare Drake arena track.
- Check out non-peak times at the HFLC. Traditionally, the quietest times at the HFLC are:
Monday — Friday: 6-9 a.m., 8-10 p.m.
Saturday — Sunday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
How to beat it:
- Set a goal. No matter how small or big, a specific purpose will help keep you accountable. The goal might be as simple as, “be active four times per week for 30 minutes.” That doesn’t have to mean time in the gym — walking to and from work and taking movement breaks throughout the day are great ways to get active without overhauling your routine.
- Make a calendar appointment to remind yourself it’s time for an activity break. Working in 10–15 minute activity breaks throughout the day will help decrease the pressure to find time for fitness in your schedule.
- Join a morning or lunchtime fitness class. Building fitness into your work day can help prevent it from feeling like a separate item you need to make time for.
Looking for more guidance? Drop by the HFLC to talk to us any time.
Krystle Johner, Fitness and Lifestyle Supervisor
Danielle Smith, Recreation and Sport Coordinator
Naissa Preston, Program Coordinator