New Year’s fitness resolutions already fading? Here’s some tips how to stay motivated

FRESNO, Calif. — There’s a sad statistic about those who’ve made losing weight and working out more a New Year’s resolution.

By February, it’s estimated that 80 percent of people give up their health and fitness New Year’s resolution, according to a U.S. News & World report.

That, of course, doesn’t have to be you.

And one Fresno State student who’s turned her hobby of working out into a profession of helping others get fit has some advice on how to stay on the workout track and achieve those New Year’s goals.

If … you’re willing to “just put in a little bit of your time” and “some discipline,” said Fernandez, founder of Missfit Personal Training and Sadie’s Ladies, a community of over 100 members who help support women in fitness, including body builders.

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“The most common obstacle people run into is finding time to work out,” Fernandez said. “But did you realize that a one-hour workout is only 4 percent of your day?

“And if you know what you’re doing, those 60 minutes is all you need 3-4 days a week to establish a healthy lifestyle change.”

While some “regulars” at the gym might find it annoying when the new wave of people who are trying to achieve their New Year’s resolution crowd the workout area in January, Fernandez said she finds the New Year inspiring.

“Those people are motivated to start the New Year right, and they’re enthusiastic of what is to come,” Fernandez said. “I love that energy. They’re fired up.

“But consistency is key. You need consistent energy. People don’t stay consistent because they sometimes want immediate results. But really, they just need to stay with it. Stay patient. Keep that fire.”

Fernandez suggests working out with a friend to help keep you motivated; it also helps in holding each other accountable for working out.

Or use social media as a check-in to help hold yourself accountable, taking and posting a photo of you at the gym or a mere picture of the treadmill.

Hiring a personal trainer like Fernandez certainly could help get results.

But there’s also the challenges that come outside of the gym, when your workout buddy might not be around and the personal trainer is no where to be found: eating habits.

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“You can’t out-train a poor diet,” Fernandez said. “But again, it’s establishing a healthy lifestyle and not just dieting for a short period of time.

“It’s consistency with your workouts, and consistency with how you eat and what you eat.”

Fernandez, who played multiple sports growing up, including softball at Clovis East High, said she understands that it’s not easy staying on the fitness track.

She advised not getting discouraged by setbacks: “They happen to everybody, whether it’s missing a workout or not eating as healthy as you should.”

But get back to those healthy habits as quickly as you can, Fernandez added.

“You have to take it day by day, exercise by exercise,” Fernandez said. “You can’t be 100 percent motivated, 100 percent of the time. And that’s OK.

“Just try to stick with it. Even if you don’t see results right away, remember, you’re improving your health and quality of life.”