6 Fitness Habits to Kick Off 2016

The new year is just around the corner, and so are New Year’s resolutions. This year, let’s resolve to move more. Our bodies are designed to move, and it’s been shown that sedentary lifestyles aren’t great for our physical or mental wellbeing. The FluidStance® Level® is designed to keep you in motion while you work, but achieving fitness this year means staying active both in and outside of the workplace. With research suggesting that 88% of all New Year’s resolutions end in failure, it’s important to focus on building and maintaining our healthy habits. To make 2016 your healthiest year yet, consider adopting a few of these fitness habits:

1) Do what you love. 

The best way to ensure that you’re building habits that you will keep up—not only through January, but through the rest of the year and beyond—is to choose activities that you enjoy. Not a fan of running? Jump rope instead. Not big on yoga? Give rock climbing a shot. You’ll find yourself looking forward to each workout session (especially once the endorphins kick in).

2) Enlist your friends. 

Choose a workout buddy to get some extra help keeping your fitness resolution this year! Working out with a friend keeps you both accountable as you work toward your health goals, meaning you’re less likely to miss a workout on those inevitable lazy days. In addition to providing a motivation boost, having company during workouts can help you add variety to your routine, pass the time more quickly, and push yourself even further than you would alone.

3) Keep track of your workouts. 

Using an app like Map My Fitness or Simple Workout Log, or a wearable device like the Fitbit or a Jawbone fitness tracker can help you visualize your progress and discover your personal workout patterns. Becoming aware of your own fitness style can help you make small but effective changes: for example, if you realize that you spend more time on the treadmill when you visit the gym in the evening, try replacing some morning workouts with after-work ones to maximize what you get out of each gym trip.

4) Walk your dog. 

Fido will be happy, and so will you. Dog owners not only exercise more, but they also walk faster and take more frequent walks, according to the New York Times. If your dog is up to it, try tackling new paths or hiking trails on weekends for a fun challenge. This year, don’t forget to take advantage of the eager companion by your side to help you reach your fitness goals!

5) Volunteer in your community. 

Take on a volunteer opportunity that will keep you on your feet and moving around, such as working with children or sorting goods at a soup kitchen. Studies have found a correlation between volunteering and healthy blood pressures, according to the Harvard Health Blog—choosing to volunteer this year can boost both your physical and mental health. Contributing to a good cause can make the time you spend on the move pass by more quickly, and you may find that you feel happier and more fulfilled once you commit to volunteering.

6) Give yourself a rest day. 

Overexerting yourself is one of the quickest ways to breaking your get-fit resolution. This year, allow your body to work at its own pace. Taking rest days helps prevent injuries that can set back progress, and reminding yourself to take a break from working out can stop physical activity from feeling like a chore. Remember: movement and moderation are what we aim for!