I never make New Years resolutions. I think they set you up to fail because you are saying to yourself “tomorrow I will be better”. Nuts to that! When you decide to make a change make it now. That said I think it is fun and productive to have targets. Here are some things you should do in 2016.
Compete
Sign up for a competition in something you have never done before or are not good at. There are tons of events you can do. Bike race, obstacle course race, triathlon, power lifting meet, Crossfit competition, indoor rowing regatta… It really does not matter just pick something and register. This will give your training new challenge and focus. Last winter I did an indoor rowing regatta. This year I am going to do an obstacle course race or a GoRuck event (maybe both!).
Get Really F’ing Strong
I am using strong here in a very general and not physiologic correct sense. If you are already deadlifting 500lbs your are strong but can you row 5000m on a Concept 2 in under 19 minutes? If you already run a 5k under 19 can you deadlift twice your body weight? Set a standard, something big, something that kind of scares you. Pick something you are not already good at.
Mentor Someone
No matter where you are in your fitness journey you are further along that someone. Reach out to someone and help them. Don’t be that annoying douche who gives unsolicited (and often wrong) advice to total strangers in the checkout line. Look around at the people in your life who really want to change and if nothing else just share what you have learned with them. You don’t need to be a professional trainer to do this. Even if you have never trained a day in your life you can partner up with someone who is in the same place as you and figure it out together. If you are a professional trainer then donate some time to someone who is really hungry for success who may not be able to afford you normal rate.
Get Outside
I love training in the gym. There is a certain honestly and discipline that comes with from the steel. That said there is nothing like taking all that hard earned strength and endurance and applying it. Go run in the woods. Lift some rocks and logs. Do pull-ups in a tree. The change of venue is a huge mental reset. Don’t have a plan just get outside take off your shoes, take off your shirt, and be a beast.
Fitness challenges do not have to be just about the numbers. There is no end to the journey. Be open to new things and willing to try them. The one common factor to everything listed above is FUN. One thing I have learned is the more fun I am having the more fit I am getting. I would love to hear how you keep your training fun, please comment!
