5 ways to force your fitness into high gear for the New Year

Every year, millions of us decide that this is the year we get into the best shape of our lives. Either we're going to lose 50 pounds and get shredded or we're going to pack on 20 pounds of muscle and completely change our lives. Whatever the case, wanting to drastically change how you look is a common and healthy notion.

The sad part is that those big plans for a new you often fade as quickly as they came — but don't give up hope. Take it from a guy who used a New Year's resolution in 2018 to lose more than 70 pounds; these tips will help you get to your finish line.

---

Goals are necessary.

(Harvard Heath)

Set some goals

Making a big change to your body requires a strategic approach. Set up a series of smaller goals for yourself that break the big, overall objective into digestible, accomplishable pieces.

Think about the range card analogy. Set 5-, 10-, and 20-meter goals and get to work on yourself.

"Major key!" - DJ Khaled

(Fit Yourself Club)

Consistency

Nothing is ever accomplished without consistency and New Year's resolutions are no different. It's like that old saying, how do you cut down a tree? One swing at a time.

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2FSDxzM5LAVq5Tq.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Fi.giphy.com&s=41&h=f2c4fe621bfd3a5cfd49fd634334cb9c087dee02e38affe51a4051f5a981936e&size=980x&c=3893426147 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252FSDxzM5LAVq5Tq.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fi.giphy.com%26s%3D41%26h%3Df2c4fe621bfd3a5cfd49fd634334cb9c087dee02e38affe51a4051f5a981936e%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3893426147%22%7D" expand=1]

There are a lot of choice out there. Don't mire in indecision.

Pick the right plan

It is paramount that you pick or build out the right fitness plan for you. It sounds plainly obvious, but as long as you're doing more for yourself than you have been doing, you'll see results. That being said, nobody will (or can) stick to a plan that's too challenging.

There's nothing wrong with a challenging plan, but it has to be a challenge that you can bear. For example, if you can't do a pull-up, maybe don't plan to do twenty on day one. Pick something that's challenging, yes, but also pick something that you're confident that you can complete.

The great Muhammad Ali knows a few things about motivation.

(Rise Up Champs)

Stay motivated

After a while, it can become difficult to stick to the plan. You've lost a little weight, clothes are fitting a little better, and people are starting to notice your slimmer look — don't stop there!

Getting to the finish line is a challenge. Just try to remember why you started.

Found a good group to hold you accountable. Maybe not these guys.

(Boston Magazine)

Find an accountability partner or group

Having someone in your corner is a great tool to keep you moving toward your goal. An accountability partner or group will help you stay on track. Knowing that someone is holding you to your word ups the ante in a way that nothing else can.

A bit of gentle banter and friendly competition can be just what you need to keep going, especially if you thrive on making your buddies eat a little crow... and we all do.