5 Easy Fitness Tips for the New Year, New You

It’s not too late to honor your New Year’s resolution to get in shape. In fact, meeting your fitness goals might be easier than you think. Here are five simple tips from Danielle Harrison, Fitness Curator at New York City’s Ink48, A Kimpton Hotel, to help you slim down and tone up in 2014.

Ink48 Fitness Curator, Danielle Harrison

1. PLAN OUT YOUR MEALS. Don’t wait until your stomach is growling to decide what to make for dinner. It is important and easier for your diet to plan out your meals for the week or for each day in advance. If you have to think about what to eat, where to get it, or how long it will take to make, you will tend to just go with the easiest option, which is most likely the unhealthiest. Plan ahead!

2. DON’T OVER DO IT. Don't re-boot your fitness routine by going to the gym for three hours in one day, trying to make up for everything you have missed. Start out by working out for an hour whether it’s by taking a class or using exercise equipment. Understand that the first day back might be a struggle, but you will bounce back quickly if you are a returning gym-goer, or you will adapt quickly if you are a gym newbie.

3. DEFINE YOUR GOALS. Depending on what your goals are, hiring a personal trainer is an excellent way to stay accountable to someone who can monitor and track your progress. If you buy a package of classes or training sessions you will be more likely to use it because you've already spent the money. For a more cost effective option, find a fitness friend or running buddy. This way, when you are too tired to work out, you will have your friend pushing you to hit the gym together.

4. COMBAT CRAVINGS. During the holidays, your body got used to all of the sugary foods you ate. To combat those cravings, keep apples, grapes and raisins nearby as sweet and healthy alternatives. Other great snack options include almonds, or a spoonful of natural peanut butter.

5. BOOK A FITNESS-MINDED HOTEL. Traveling can be taxing on the body as it is; adding in a hotel that doesn’t offer any fitness options equals disaster. Nowadays, there are plenty of hotels with 24-hour fitness centers, including Ink48. In addition to the state of the art fitness center, the hotel offers guests a “Runner’s Amenity Kit” which provides guests with popular running accessories in case they forgot to pack them. All Kimpton hotels now have in-room yoga mats and complimentary branded bikes that guests can ride during their stay.

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