Ah, January. The time of new beginnings, goal-setting, and writing the wrong year on every piece of paperwork we encounter. But January is also a month of resolutions (which, in case you need a reminder, you absolutely do not have to make). However, if, like me, you made health and fitness goals for 2021, you might find yourself already losing motivation. If you need some encouragement to keep working towards those goals – or if you just want new tools to keep you chasing those gains - here are 8 fitness must-haves for the New Year.
1. At-Home Workout Programs and Gear
Sure, 2020 might be in the rearview, but 2021 still has most of us stuck at home. Achieving those fitness goals might be harder without access to our favorite gym, but it’s not impossible.
You can find a multitude of online workouts: everything from YouTube dance classes to equipment-free WODS you can do in your living room. Our personal favorite is the WodBottom Bubble four-week program. It’s an at-home, four-week plan to a better backside. All you need is a chair, a mini band, and 15 minutes a day.
As for at-home equipment, you can get a killer workout with hardly any gear. See our suggestions for five essentials for your at-home gym here.
2. Some Motivational Tunes
Nothing gets me moving like a good playlist. Spend some time going through your online library and create a playlist that makes your workout even more enjoyable. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Check out the WodBottom Essential Jams playlist FOR FREE. You’ll get 101 songs that will have you moving that bootyful bod – everything from Pink to Sir Mix-A-Lot and everything in between.
3. A Swole Sister
Accountability is super important when chasing your goals, both in the gym and in life. Swole Sisters don’t just encourage each other to reach new PRs in the gym. They also cheer each other on in life. Find an accountability partner who will commit to keeping you in line – in the gym and out.
4. New Workout Goodies
Alright, we might be a bit biased on this one, but what is more fun than getting new workout gear? Sometimes, all it takes to reinvigorate your motivation is a fun new pair of shorties that you’re dying to show off to your friends. Go ahead: treat yourself.
5. Positive Mindset
Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” The first step to achieving our goals is to believe we can. Take a little time every day to get your mind in the game through mindfulness practices, reading, listening to inspirational podcasts, or writing your goals down on paper. Be your own biggest cheerleader.
6. Concrete Goals
A goal without a plan is just a wish. You have big dreams. Don’t leave them to chance. Identify your ultimate goal (a new PR, completing a marathon, or gaining 5% more muscle mass). Share those goals with your Swole Sisters, partner, family, and friends. Then, decide why those goals are important and how you’re going to get there.
If your goal is a new personal record, don’t just wish for it. Set a timeline, do your research, talk to others at your gym or online, and create a workout plan that will get you to that goal.
7. Healthy Foods
You work hard to reach your fitness goals. Don’t undo that work the second you walk into the kitchen. Get deliberate about fueling your body with healthy foods like these delicious high-protein recipes.
Not only will eating a balanced diet help you reach new fitness milestones, but it will also improve your mental and emotional health, too. A healthy diet is associated with better sleep, more energy, and reduced stress.
8. A Way To Track Progress
To get to your big, audacious goal, you’ll have to hit some milestones along the way. Nothing is more encouraging than seeing concrete proof of your progress. Keep track of those small successes, either in a journal, on a fitness app, or by doing regular check-ins with people you love.
Recognizing how far you’ve already come gives you the motivation you need to keep going. And we will be here with you, all the way to the finish line.
