With the new year ringing in a time for rest, rejuvenation and reflection, it isn’t uncommon to want to set some new goals. The new year and winter break are the perfect time to work toward a healthier and happier lifestyle. However, keeping these goals is often a little more difficult than first setting them.
If you’ve set a New Year's resolution in past years and forgotten about it by March, you aren’t alone. With the average resolution lasting only 3.74 months according to Forbes, setting a goal of complete self-transformation over the next 365 days is clearly not the most effective path to self-betterment.
Despite most New Year's resolutions being a little too ambitious to accomplish within 12 months, setting new goals for wellness and fitness is never a bad idea. With new trends in the exercise world, there are so many new things to try in 2024. Here are some things to try when setting effective new goals for the year!
75 Medium
Mimicking Andy Frisella’s 75 Hard, the step-by-step guide for “How to take complete control of your life in 75 days,” the 75 Medium is a new trend on social media aimed at a gentler approach to the harsh requirements of the 75 Hard program. With the more relaxed approach, 75 Medium is an option to start practicing mindfulness and self-discipline in the new year without the rigorous pressures the original regimen may bring. The 75 Medium challenges participants to follow a diet of choice, a daily workout, a hydration goal and a reading plan for 75 days. This might be a good option for those interested in practicing a variety of new healthy habits during the new year and can be adjusted to best suit an individual’s needs.
The “Hot Girl Walk”
The viral “Hot Girl Walk'' has been trending since the summertime, incorporating physical activity, mindfulness and fun outfits into one activity. The Hot Girl Walk is typically a four-mile outdoor walk. While adventuring on this trek, taking time to think about gratuity, goals and self-image is mandatory.
Although the weather is a little chillier, adjusting the typical walk to fit a treadmill workout or shorter walk is more than possible! Implementing a walk, no matter the length, into your daily routine has improved benefits of strengthening the immune system, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues and growing bone endurance, according to Mayo Clinic. Trying out the “Hot Girl Walk” during 2024 could be a great way to start out the new year!
Meditation
Meditating, although not explicitly a strenuous physical exercise, has been shown to have multiple benefits for well-being and brain health. With so many different forms of meditation, from meditation with movements to mantra meditation and contemplation, there is a world of new things to try. Meditating, according to the Cleveland Clinic, has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD, and increase creativity and problem-solving skills. Spending time practicing mindfulness through different forms of meditation may help develop and reinforce healthier habits in the new year and might be worth a shot.
Cycling
A fun — and often forgotten — way to increase cardio exercise is as simple as a short bike ride! Cycling is a low-impact, aerobic exercise and can span from a mode of transportation to a high-energy group workout. Not only does cycling a few times a week strengthen leg muscles and improve cholesterol levels, but according to Healthline, it also has potential mental benefits. Through releasing endorphins, a cycle session has the potential to decrease anxiety and clear the mind.
Regardless of how you choose to go about fitness and exercise goals in the new year, taking time to engage in fun and healthy physical activity has been shown to have benefits to both physical and mental health. Trying out new exercises and activities in 2024 that go beyond quick trends will help your body feel better and help you accomplish all your goals for the year!
