Staying active and improving physical fitness can often feel like an uphill battle. It can feel like year after year you set goals, with very little progress. If you want this year to be different and you want to increase your activity level and achieve your fitness goals this year, here are four essential tips.

Find a Community

One of the hardest aspects of physical activity is long-term accountability. It can feel easy to kick things off, but in a few weeks, it can start to feel like drudgery. If you want to keep it up long-term, find yourself a community. Whether you find a fitness group Jersey City NJ, a trainer or a workout buddy, you need someone else to have some fun and to help hold you accountable.

Stick to a Schedule

Building exercise into your daily routine can also be a useful method. Establishing exercise as a natural part of your day and not an additional undertaking will improve your rate of success. Whether you prefer a morning workout to kick off your day, exercise to help you wind down after work or a regular time to squeeze in some activity, the most important thing is that you commit to consistently making the time.

Set Clear Goals

Many adults struggle to achieve their physical activity goals because they lack a clear plan. If you want this year to be different, you need to consider setting SMART goals. With a clear plan of attack, a viable path forward and designated milestones, you can better situate yourself to achieve your goals.

Don’t Expect Perfection

One of the most common mistakes that many adults make when pursuing fitness goals is to expect perfection. The reality is that this will take time, energy and commitment. You will likely stumble along the way, and you need to give yourself grace. The most important thing is consistency and commitment, not perfection.

When it comes to fitness goals, there can be a lot of letdown and frustration; however, with these four tips, you can make this the year that you make a positive change.