January is fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions for 2016. The number one item on most people’s ‘to-do’ lists will be to lose weight.

This will be an even greater issue after the festive period, where we are all bound to let our hair down for a few days of indulgence. Once the rich food and alcohol are finished, it’s time to take your fitness game to a new level.

The basic recipe for success is the same as ever. A combination of healthy eating and regular exercise will see you achieve your goals. Nevertheless, there are ways to give your plan a boost in the right direction. Follow these tips, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly results start to show.

Team Up With A Buddy

Let’s not kid ourselves, some people aren’t naturally wired to spend hours working out. Signing up for the gym with enthusiasm is one thing, but actively going on a regular basis is another. If you aren’t blessed with that natural motivation, then teaming up with a buddy could be the ideal solution.

Teaming up with a friend brings many benefits, especially on a social level. However, the most influential factor is that you will use each other as an incentive to stick with it. It’s easy to take a day off, but the guilt of letting down your partner should spur you on. Unless, there is a very good reason.

Besides, seeing your friend in this environment has got to be better than the local bar. At least regarding your fitness goals.

Take Supplements

By now, you should be all too aware that nutrition is as important to weight loss as your exercise. After all, your body is a machine and fuelling it with the wrong energy is going to limit progress.

While sticking to a positive eating routine is vital, you should be aware of supplements too. If you find the right ones for your specific needs, it can give your body the boost it needs to gain the results you require. It doesn’t matter how you get those nutrients, as long as you do.

Couple this with drinking large volumes of water, and you’ll be amazed at the results you see. This establishes a far greater foundation for losing weight, and should improve your workouts too.

Mix It Up

When it comes to working out, it’s easy to assume a successful routine will continue to bring great results forever. This isn’t always true, though. If you want the best long-term results, you might need to constantly change your cycles.

The human body is quick to adapt. After a few weeks of doing the same routines, it can become acclimatised and prepared for working out. This will mean it needs to work less hard, which will bring slightly worse results. Therefore, trying different sports is a must.

Signing up for different classes will keep exercise fun and exciting too. Maintaining these aspects will improve your chances of staying on track. Moreover, the increased progress should work wonders for your confidence and motivation too.

As for the gym workouts, switching to an HIIT plan can increase the results greatly.

Embrace Technology

Modern technology can improve our lives in many ways. While it can’t physically make you lose weight, it can enhance your experiences. The more enjoyable it is, the more likely you are to keep going. Considering it can take up to 12 weeks to see a noticeable result, this continued exercise is vital.

The iPhone is clearly the most important device you can possess. Whether it’s listening to music or monitoring calories burned doesn’t matter. If it’s helping your bid to reach your ideal weight, then it is a step in the right direction. However, it’s important to accept the potential dangers of using it at this time. However, iPhone 6s cases can keep your prized possession safe.

In addition to the Apps, you can sync your smartphone to the computer to see your progress in greater detail too. It’s a great tool for improving your motivation while you can also boast about your results on social media too.

Make Other Upgrades

Vowing to lose weight and get fit is great. But the best way to improve your life is to make further upgrades in other areas too. Doing this won’t only make a difference in those aspects, but it will also make your diet results look better.

Apart from losing weight, one of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to quit smoking. This one change will cover the costs of sports clothes and gym memberships. Besides, with the advanced facilities now available, you have a better chance than ever to finally kick the habit.

Moreover, quitting cigarettes will actively boost your fitness. In turn, this will allow you to work harder in the gym. Ultimately, it should encourage better weight loss results too.

Meanwhile, the physical benefits to your skin, teeth and hair will create a better overall appearance. This in itself will complement your weight loss perfectly.

Rewards

If losing weight is your aim, then it has to be a long-term challenge. Yo-yo dieting is not a healthy way to go about things. This is about changing your lifestyle for the better, and investing in your health. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean you need to live like an angel.

You aren’t in training for a world heavyweight title fight. It’s important to live your life as you only get one shot at it. Don’t feel bad about taking that weekend city break or skipping the gym to see a visiting relative. Your new lifestyle requires dedication, but you cannot ignore the other important factors in your life.

Aside from anything else, this is a great way to keep you motivated. Looking forward to a cheat meal, for example, will reduce the chances of falling off the wagon at another point. Meanwhile, promising yourself a new outfit once you hit a certain goal can encourage you to work harder for those results too.