Why is it so Tough?

It’s that time of year where vacations, work, school, and even the sunshine dictate our schedule. After nearly 6 months of trying to attain New Year’s Resolutions, it can be hard to keep momentum with all of these variables influencing how we spend our time. Some may be on track to meet their goals, while others may have faced some adversity, or some haven’t set goals just yet. The good news is that January 1 is not the only day you can set goals – maybe today is the day for you!

What Can I Do?

Fortunately, there is a lot you can do! Below are just a few ways you can get on track to be the best version of yourself and improve your well-being!

Set New Goals

Like I said, we are not limited to our New Year’s resolutions. We should frequently look to improve or adjust our goals based on where we are. If a goal was met – Great! Push your boundaries a bit further. If a goal was not met – no worries! Adjust your goals to account for the season of life you are in this Summer. If you haven’t made a goal and don’t know where to start – we are here to help! Reach out to a staff member to maximize your fitness journey!

Sign Up for Events & Classes

Events offered by not only NIFS but also the community provide external sources of motivation to keep momentum high. By signing up for an event, you are essentially setting a goal of some level to participate in the event and perform to a certain degree, which is a great starting point to increase motivation.

Signing up for classes at NIFS is an excellent way to create accountability and establish consistency in your routine, while also taking the burden of programming off your shoulders and on our superb staff! Additionally, being part of the NIFS community in classes helps establish social support in your pursuit of fitness.

Incorporate Portable Exercise

Schedules can be demanding and dynamic at this point in the year. The best way to accommodate schedules is to utilize exercises that you can do anywhere! Bodyweight exercises are a great way to make your workout portable. Investing in a set of resistance bands can go a long way when you are traveling, which allow you to not only create variety in your training but also provide a high enough training stimulus to create gains!

Go Outside!

This is another great way to make your exercises portable and enjoyable! It can be hard to go inside the gym when the weather is beautiful, so why not take the gym outside?! Combining the methods in the previous section with outdoor activity can be an easy way to boost exercise enjoyment and get your daily dose of Vitamin D. Try our Free Fitness in the Park on Tuesday and Thursday at noon this summer at White River State Park.

Momentum is hard to keep during the Summer, but there are easily implementable methods to keep it up. Try setting new goals, sign up for events or classes, make your training portable, and go outside! If you need any help, our staff is well-equipped to provide guidance in your pursuit of health and wellness!

Learn more about our services and opportunities at NIFS.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Consistency is Key,” but why? Individuals engaged in fitness pursue their goals by progressing some level of their training. What often gets overlooked is the foundation that makes progress possible: consistency. 

The Way to Long-Term Fitness 

Achieving any fitness goal takes time and steady effort. To reach your dreams, you must stack “wins.” No one transforms overnight, and accepting this truth helps you embrace the value of consistency. Completing a killer workout is great, but it means little without regular effort to keep challenging your body. 

While intense workouts can be beneficial, they’re not always necessary. Long-term fitness is about sustainability. If your routine makes you miserable or leaves you dreading the gym, your ability to stay consistent will suffer. Instead, create a plan that fits your life and brings you joy. When fitness feels rewarding, consistency follows. 

A Key to Mental Health 

Exercise has been shown to boost mental health through various physiological processes. But even beyond that, the structure and routine of exercise itself can be a game-changer. By building workouts into your schedule, you’re more likely to follow through, creating a cycle of consistency that supports both your mind and body. 

Tips for Consistency 

Tip #1: Set realistic goals. 

To stay consistent, start with a plan that’s manageable. Overestimating how often you can work out can lead to burnout. If you’re new to fitness, start with just two sessions per week—enough to create momentum without overwhelming yourself. On low-energy days, tell yourself, “I’ll go for 10 minutes and see how I feel.” Often, showing up is the hardest part. 

Tip #2: Mix things up to avoid plateaus. 

Everyone hits plateaus, but how you respond makes the difference. Switching up your exercises every 3-5 weeks can re-energize your routine and re-sensitize your body to progress. For example, swap regular squats for goblet squats or Bulgarian split squats. Variation keeps things fresh and challenges your muscles in new ways. 

Tip #3: Tap into your purpose, not just motivation. 

Motivation can be powerful, but it’s fleeting. Instead of relying on motivation alone, focus on your purpose—your ‘why.’ Ask yourself what drives you: improved health, confidence, or setting an example for loved ones. Purpose provides a deeper, more lasting source of commitment that keeps you consistent even on tough days. 

Personal Experience 

Playing football for 10 years taught me the value of consistent effort. My coach’s mantra, “Win Right Now, Win the Next,” emphasized focusing on the moment rather than the whole game. Over time, those small wins added up to big results. 

Fitness is similar—it’s not linear. You’ll have highs and lows, but consistency creates an upward trend over time. Believe in your process, celebrate your wins, and keep building momentum. 

Consistency is the secret to achieving your goals. Start with small, manageable steps, stay intentional, and trust the process. Celebrate each win, learn from challenges, and keep showing up. Every step forward is progress toward the life you want to create.