New Year, New You: 5 Fitness Resolutions Anyone Can Keep

“New year, new you,” usually involves having a sort of makeover. It can be a change in your career, overall mindset, or appearance. The latter is so popular there’s actually a nickname for it: the “BalikAlindog” program. The term, which has been around since the ‘80s, is the process of getting back in shape – ideally in time for summer – after bingeing on delicious food over the holidays.

If you think about it, the period between New Year’s Eve and the first week of March is not nearly enough time to change one’s physique. To even attempt it is impossible and potentially toxic. It is why we’re advocating for a healthier way to achieve your resolutions. Here are some changes you can make for a more sustainable and positive fitness journey.

Be honest: do you believe coffee is enough to hydrate your body? If you answer “yes,” you’re in for a brewed awakening. Coffee is neither hydrating nor dehydrating. Even though it contains water, your morning cuppa isn’t enough to sustain you because caffeine has a diuretic effect. That means it can make your body pass more urine. Don’t worry, it’s unlikely to dehydrate you if you drink moderately.

However, you may want to up your H2O intake (and cut down on other beverages) if you want to be fitter. Water has zero calories, and it aids in digestion. It also fills you up and may even help decrease your appetite. In fact, a 2016 study found that people who drank two glasses of water right before a meal ate 22% less than those who didn’t!

It seems there’s a new diet and weight-loss trend every month. TikTok, for example, is notorious for its toxic diet culture. According to a study in PLOS One, the idea that weight is a primary measure of health is prevalent on the social media platform – and this is perpetuated by diet fads that impact impressionable youth. Subscribing to these trends can be counterproductive and may lead to eating disorders and medical complications.

If you haven’t mustered the energy to go to the gym at least once a week this past year, you’re not going to suddenly make it there every day. The simplest way to engage in more physical activity with the least effort is walking more. You’re more likely to keep this New Year’s resolution, too.

According to research published in Frontiers, brisk walking improves cardiorespiratory functions, muscular strength, and body composition. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workouts per week to reduce health risks and support healthy aging. So, walking at least 30 minutes a day on weekdays can help you achieve your “new year, new you” goals.

Yes, your weight is one indicator of fitness, but it’s not an accurate measure of health. For example, taller people tend to weigh more. As do individuals with more muscle mass. They may also appear bigger, but this doesn’t mean they are “overweight.”

On the other hand, one’s Body Mass Index (BMI) can identify health risks in people with excess body fat, but it also does not consider muscle mass or fat distribution. For example, having thick hips and thighs is not as dangerous, health-wise, as having fat buildup around your waist and belly.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Trying something physically challenging should be on your list of fitness resolutions. Climbing, bouldering, biking, and rowing are just a few ideas. These can make you more versatile, train muscles you didn’t even know you had, and make you mentally tougher. You'll also gain the confidence to continue exploring new workouts, which will keep things interesting.

After a good exercise session, get rid of germs on your hands and body with Lifebuoy Antibacterial Handwash Total 10 and Lifebuoy Antibacterial Bodywash Total 10. Both contain Activ Silver+, which removes germs and gives you 10 times more protection. After your shower, apply Rexona Dry Serum Deodorant Sakura Radiance, which brightens and smoothens the underarms on top of fighting odor and sweat.

You don’t need drastic measures to get that “new year, new you” vibe. Sometimes, the most sustainable resolutions are the small changes that create ripple effects on your overall lifestyle.