Gym owner from Standerton tells us how to stay fit in the new year | Ridge Times

Starting a new year can be daunting. Resolutions can seem impossible and expectations are high.

According to Riaan Engelbrecht, owner of Life Fitness gym, the first step to reaching your fitness goals is to ensure that you are thinking realistically. Choose goals you know you are capable of achieving.

“Before you think of losing 20kg, break it down into smaller goals of 1 to 2kg per week,” said Engelbrecht.

Another helpful tip is to begin small and build momentum as you go.

The gym recommends starting with 15 to 20 minutes of daily exercise and gradually increasing your fitness routines as you go.
The third tip is to find exercises and activities that you love doing.

Whether it be dancing, yoga, cycling or lifting weights, if you enjoy the exercises you are doing, you will likely feel more motivated to continue.

Proper hydration can boost your energy and support recovery after strenuous activity, thus it is important to stay hydrated during exercise.

Engelbrecht recommended pairing your workouts with a balanced diet to support and fuel your body.

“Good options for a balanced diet are lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables,” added Engelbrecht.

Another helpful tip is to prioritise strength exercises such as squats, lunges and push-ups. This helps you to build muscle as well as boost your metabolism.

Tracking your progress is a great way to keep motivated. Keep a detailed journal or track important information such as activities, meals and achievements on a fitness app.

Another crucial tip is to find a partner to keep fit with you. This will ensure that you are held accountable for your progress and makes keeping fit easier and more enjoyable all around.

The most important step to keeping fit is to listen to your body. You will know when you need rest for your muscles to recover.

Prevent burnout by taking rest days and allowing your body to heal itself. The gym puts big emphasis on prioritising progress over perfection.

It does not matter if you had a cheat meal or skipped leg-day once or twice, the important thing is to get back on track and continue your journey the next day. Finally, life fitness recommends a reward system.

“Non-food rewards such as new workout gear or a relaxing massage can keep you motivated and focused on your goals,” said Engelbrecht.

Sticking to your goals in the new year can be tough, but persistence is key. It is important to focus on building healthy habits rather than quick fixes and small, consistent efforts yield lasting results.