Now that 2013 is well underway, do you continue to remain dedicated to your workout and overall fitness goals? Achieving this takes hard work and dedication; those with the best intentions often find themselves sidetracked. Even if you’ve continued to remain focused and on a fitness goal, a plateau can often arrive stopping progress in its tracks.
Perhaps you have lost some fat and gained some strength, but you are not yet where you want to be. Once a plateau hits, it is essential to switch up your workout routine to continue to see results. Here is a look at how you can stay motivated and turn your fitness level up a notch.
Interval Training
Interval training combines high-intensity exercise with moderate exercise and is one of the best ways to boost metabolism, burn calories and lose stubborn fat. Research has demonstrated that several high-intensity training sessions per week are just as effective as longer periods of exercise.
Increase Daily Activity
Add physical activity into your day in every way that you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from your office building or the grocery store and walk at every opportunity. If you’re stuck in a cubicle most of the day, try and get up and move every hour or so. Take any opportunity you can to walk at least 10,000 steps daily. Clip a pedometer on your belt to help keep track of your steps.
Are You Getting Enough Rest?
If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you’ll have difficulty losing weight. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep will not only make you hungrier during the day, but also increase fat storage.
Keep an Exercise Journal
If you’re not already doing so, write down your workouts and all of your physical activity each day. Keeping a record will help you see just how much exercise you are getting. Set a 
Mind/body Connection
Never underestimate the mind/body connection – it can be a key factor of any successful plan. Everything that you ultimately accomplish began with a thought in your mind. If negative thoughts enter your mind such as, ” I’ll never be fit,” or “I can’t do it,” picture the phrases in a balloon and send them far away. Change your inner voice to a positive message such as “I am strong and fit,” and see yourself the way you envision you would like to be. Before long, you will be there.
Have you had any trouble continuing your New Year’s fitness resolution?
– The Alternative Daily