5 fixes for your unrealistic New Year's resolutions

Struggling to keep your New Year’s resolutions? Fitness guru Michelle Bridges says its time to replace unrealistic goals with more achievable ones.

“When it comes to New Year’s workout resolutions, It HAS to be something manageable,” she said. “Don’t set yourself up to fail by overcommitting to something like ‘exercising 15 hours a week’.

She also recommends keeping things flexible: “For example, if Plan A is that you’re going to go to the gym every morning before the kids get up, five days a week, then great – that’s Plan A.

"But make sure you also have a Plan B. What if one of the kids gets sick, or your partner’s away? Plan B might be to workout with some exercise videos on YouTube, or do a free 12WBT workout. Planning to be flexible is a great way to work around ‘all-or-nothing” tendencies that some of us struggle with.”

Michelle’s Top 5 unrealistic resolutions

1. I’m going to lose X amount of weight in a month

“This goal is too short-term. It will likely cause you to choose extreme behaviours in order to reach what is a really difficult goal,” notes Michelle. “And once the month is over, because your routine is not sustainable, it’s likely you’ll revert to old habits in a heartbeat. So choose more achievable periods of time, and don’t focus on the number on the scales (yep, seriously - it is not the only or the best determinator of getting fitter and healthier). Focus on healthy eating, good fitness, a strong mindset and positive habit-building, and the weight will lose itself.”

2. I’m quitting carbs

“Legalise all food groups I say!” says Michelle. “A balanced diet full of wholefoods from every source is optimum for 99% of people - the only exception is allergies, medical conditions or religious and ethical reasons. Elimination diets are trendy, but you run the risk of malnutrition and a dangerous sense of deprivation. And research has shown they’re no better for your health than regular old calorie monitoring and sensible portioning.”

3. I’m going to stop eating out

“I just think this one is unrealistic! I know it’s a struggle when so much of our paycheck seems to go towards food, with eating out costing the most. But saying no to going out with friends or family? Or eating chips by the beach? I couldn’t do it. A better way is to allocate how many days in a month you can eat out. It’s a more realistic challenge.”

4. I’m going to join a gym

“This one may seem strange coming from my mouth!” laughs Michelle. “But in this specific instance, I’m referring to all those people who say this, but have never incorporated exercise into their lives before. These are the kinds of people whose newly bought memberships will go to total waste. So I say to you, baby steps, folks! Work your way up to a gym environment, by first going for walks (maybe instead of driving short distances), doing some free online workouts, or joining a bootcamp. Fall in love with the feeling, and then start to challenge yourself in a gym environment.”

5. I’m going to be a better person

“This kind of resolution is too vague,” says Michelle. “Be specific in every commitment you make to yourself over the New Year and at any time. Perhaps you could say one positive thing about yourself every morning - “I speak to everyone with kindness” or “I am learning to control my emotions”. I think this is a better way of framing what makes you a good person, the choices you make each day, and the improvements you have seen.”

The next round of Michelle Bridges’ 12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT) program commences on February 15. Click here for more information.