Three of the most common New Years resolutions are to get in shape, lose weight, and stop smoking. The most obvious way to do at least two of the above is to start a fitness routine. Typically, fitness classes and gyms are packed full in January and then once March rolls around numbers have dwindled down. But New Year’s resolutions, carefully considered and with the right outlook, can last all year long.
Motivating yourself, persistence, long-term thinking, and getting support are all crucial to making resolutions work. If you consider exercise as boring and painful and something that you should do rather than what you want to do, chances are you won’t be motivated. To get in shape, or to stay in shape requires planning, willpower, discipline, and finding ways to motivate yourself every day. Basically, figure out what will motivate you. If you want to dance, don’t bother lifting weights.
Resolutions may not be easy and probably won’t be smooth sailing (cue the willpower and discipline). Chances are you’ll miss a few workouts, but that’s no reason to give up. Persistence is key and if you can help it, don’t stop. Think long term; resolutions don’t need to be confined by the calendar year so if you want to get fit this year, you’ll probably want to stay fit next year. Finally, ask friends and family members to help you or take a class as opposed to getting fit on your own. Classes can give support in good times and bad and will provide a way of getting fit in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. There are many classes starting in January including yoga, dance, golf, and kickboxing.
If you want to brush up your golf swing, prepare for next years’ Strictly Come Dancing, or work on your meditation practice, Community Schools may be what you’re looking for. Community schools offer a wide variety of different fitness classes that range from about eight to ten weeks in duration. Malahide Community School offers adult learning courses in golf, belly dancing, salsa dancing, and yoga. In Tallaght, the Old Bawn Community School offers classes in both ballroom and salsa dancing, golf, kick-boxing, and yoga at all levels, yoga for pregnancy, pilates, and tai chi.
Many schools specialise in particular types of fitness including The Dance Theatre of Ireland in Dublin, which has a range of dance classes including latin and ballroom, salsa, and contemporary dance. Courses run for ten weeks from January. If you’re more interested in the downward facing dog than the rhumba, there are plenty of yoga classes starting this time of year. Eventbrite lists some of these with lots of other also available around the country. Other fitness classes can be found on Findacourse Fitness Course Listings page
If you prefer a more academic approach to your health, Kilroy’s College offers a fitness, health, and nutrition distance learning course that allows students to learn how to assess their own fitness level and evaluate their current state of health. Or if you might prefer boosting your personal skills over physical fitness goals then Griffin College run an assertiveness course through online learning.
Resolutions don’t have to be a burden, despite the challenges of discipline, motivation, and persistence, increasing fitness and can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience that lasts much longer than just a year.