New Year’s Resolutions

We all make New Year’s Resolutions. They can range to quitting smoking, to finding that special someone, and even dropping some weight.

Resolutions certainly do apply to the lovely world of group fitness and BodyPump, but sometimes, it’s sticking to them that is the issue. With that being said, here are a few pointers on sticking to your fitness resolutions to achieve your 2012 goals.

1. Don’t work out solo. I’ve stated in previous posts that group fitness is more fun when you bring a friend along, especially your first time. It always helps to have somebody beside you to keep you motivated. While that is generally my job on stage, your comfort zone might be a whole lot better in your first BodyPump class if one of your close friends or significant other who is a veteran is occupying the benchtop next to you.

2. If injuries pop up, don’t be stubborn. My fiancee will be the first to tell you I am the most stubborn person on the face of this earth. I have taught BodyPump classes with every possible ailment, from bronchitis to the flu, sore knees, and most recently, bursitis in my shoulder. However, if you’re fairly new to the class and anything pops up, don’t take any chances. Take a couple of days off from the gym and rest, make sure you ice the aching muscles, and if it gets worse, see your physician. You don’t want to risk major injury and derail your goals.

3. Eat wisely after you work out. I know I’m probably going to sound like a broken record here, but for any athlete, success in the kitchen is just as important as prowess in the gym. I know it’s tempting to go out and have a beer and plop on the couch and watch a ballgame after your BodyPump class, but that does not allow the muscles to recover properly. You want to make sure you eat plenty of protein and healthy carbs, and I wouldn’t eat a big dinner right after class, either. Typically after I teach, I’ll usually have a protein shake and a banana to tide myself over before firing up my stove.

4. Get yourself in a routine.  I know, I know, routines can be boring at times, but they can be super helpful to a healthier, happier you. I have mine, and they certainly make my days go by faster. If you can’t get to the gym until after work or on your lunch break, make sure you have all your gear, i.e. clothes, water bottle, sneakers, when you leave the house, and it wouldn’t hurt to pack a lunch either. That way, you don’t find yourself rushing around and stressing yourself out over nothing. Once you find that workout routine, it becomes a lot easier and a lot more fun, which leads to my final pointer.

5. HAVE FUN!!!!! Group fitness and working out doesn’t have to be a grind. Even though some of my BodyPump participants tell me that I am tough on stage, it’s only because I want my class to come to work, and get the results they are looking for. However, having fun is the best way to keep working towards your goals. If you’re working out with a friend, challenge each other! Say you’re doing BodyPump together, maybe compete with each other on how much weight you can put on the bar? I’ve done it before with fellow instructors 🙂 After all, it’s nice to have some bragging rights, right?

Hope everybody has a happy, healthy and safe New Year. Try to get to a BodyPump class or two before New Year’s Eve, and you might feel a little bit better about that glass of beer or cocktail 🙂

Ryan McLaughlin

About Ryan McLaughlin

BDN sports reporter Ryan McLaughlin grew up in Brewer and is a lifelong fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. In "The Boston Blitz" he'll be sharing his perspective with BDN readers about what's happening on the Boston professional sports scene.