Easy New Year's Fitness Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

Resolutions can be daunting… especially when we're expected to cram them into our busy schedule all at once come January 1. Oftentimes we bite off more than we can chew, especially when it comes to our fitness goals for the New Year. While it's still important to set those larger goals, here are a few easy, effective and efficient fitness resolutions that you can slip into your busy day.

Step Up To The Challenge

Taking the stairs not only conserves energy, at times it can be faster than taking the elevator. And it’s great for your heart! Taking the stairs burns more calories per minute than most other forms of physical activity.

Fit (Instead Of Sit) And Catch Up

Make a commitment to catch up with your friends and coworkers over a walk instead of coffee. Exercise increases blood flow, benefiting the brain and making you feel more alert and focused. It’s the perfect way to give your friends or associates your full attention.

Walk The Talk

Invest in a hands-free phone and make a resolution to always walk while talking on the phone. Even if that just means doing a few laps in your office, getting up and moving frequently will increase circulation and stimulate your metabolism throughout the day. Limited space? No problem: Try some knee lifts or squats.

Stop, Drop And Plank

Pick a time of day when you have one minute to spare and hold Plank Pose on your elbows (or with straight arms) for a full minute. Set an alarm to track your time. (Try to make it a cheerful one so you are excited to Plank it out.) Holding Plank Pose is a highly effective way to strengthen your arms, core, posture muscles and even your leg muscles. Once you start to get the hang of Planking once a day, double up and try for two times a day. 

Sign Up To Show Up

Signing up for a 5K, fun run or charity walk will hold you accountable and give you something to train towards. Pick a goal or distance that is realistic, but ambitious enough that it will push you out of your comfort zone and inspire you to sneak in that extra workout. Signing up with a friend will add that extra incentive -- and maybe even a competitive edge.

TV-Show Toning

Can’t give up your favorite TV show? No problem! There's no need to. Take advantage of commercial breaks to squeeze in a squat, or pick a different workout for each show. Start with a core workout one day, progress to squats the next, then jumping-jacks, then incorporate some push-ups or triceps dips on the edge of the couch.

Mix It Up To Keep It Up

One obstacle that prevents us from keeping our fitness resolutions past the month of February is getting bored with the repetition of our workout routines. So make a commitment to ring in the New Year with some fresh ways to move your body, such as running or walking a different route (or with a different partner), trying a variety of YouTube workouts or taking a fun fitness or dance class. Give yourself a new fitness option each week to spice up your weekly sweat schedule.