I sit down with former professional rugby league player turned recreational marathoner, Nick Youngquest to discuss his six no-fail tips to get you to your fittest self.
Research by Sundried shows that a huge 95% of New Year's Resolutions are fitness related, however, after just three months, only 10% of people believe their resolution will last.
"It's been shown that setting a goal for a full year ahead is often unrealistic, unmanageable, and unachievable. People get a few months in and think it's too much effort so they throw it away. It's been proven if you set more realistic short-term goals that you have a better chance of sustained change. Incremental changes are better. It's like saying you're not going to drink all year. That's so much harder than saying, 'I'm only going to have a drink on the weekends.'" Nick says.
Here are Nick's six tips, showing how little tweaks can deliver big fitness results:
Train early
While it is incredibly tempting to hit 'snooze' and curl back up into your blanket burrito, Nick says getting into the habit of training early is one of the best things you can do for your health: "Being active early sets your day up nicely. Clearly, it has physical benefits for the body but also provides mental clarity to tackle your day after getting off on the right foot. No need for the 'training in the dark warrior mode' like many profess to, but do so before work and a full breakfast to kick-start your day!"
Do something different
"Variety is often super crucial when establishing a solid physical activity plan. Habits are good also but if you’re like me and cannot really stand the gym, having a bunch of different activities to stay fit and healthy is key." Nick mixes up his routine by running marathons, surfing, practising yoga and swimming.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
Nick says this point is incredibly important when it comes to building resilience, a quality that is hugely admirable in athletes. "Do something that challenges you, as that is oftentimes where the most growth happens. Doing what we have always done and not pushing our limits can sometimes be limiting for our growth. Going to new places — physically and mentally — can help us build resilience and deal with uncertainty more effectively."
Sign up for a race
Looking beyond your personal goals and connecting with something larger than yourself is a hugely beneficial way to increase your fitness all while benefiting those around you, Nick says."This changed my affinity for physical activity in retirement. Races give you a goal to reach, such as running a marathon, and a time frame to reach it. Being involved in an organised race with such diverse participants provides motivation to keep going and do something for reasons bigger than yourself."
Train with others
Again, the benefits of this point are far greater than physical. Nick says: "Create connection with your training, run with no headphones in, talk to your friends… oftentimes, especially in long runs, people open up and share things they might not have shared before. Create your own community and push each other to improve and have something with shared enjoyment."
Track progress
"With technology these days, it is so easy to track your improvement — it helps you set goals, re-adjust goals and make sure you’re always progressing. It is also a really crucial way of tracking that you are not burning out or overdoing it!" Nick says.
Nick has been training for the New York City Marathon and fundraising for Team For Kids, a charity that funds help support programs to over 250,000 children across the United States. To support his efforts and enhance the lives of these children, you can donate here.
For more information on transforming yourself beyond your fitness goals and to tap into your utmost potential, check out Athletes For Life's evidence-based Next Chapter program here.
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