Queer Fitness Experts Give Health Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

Queer Fitness Experts Give Health Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

'Tis the season to make a bunch of totally achievable fitness goals for yourself and feel bad about not meeting them later. New Year's resolutions are supposed to be for your health, wellness, and self-improvement, but the practice has been totally abused by gym brands to body shame you or get you to buy elaborate membership packages.

If you're someone who likes to treat the pain of not keeping your resolutions using retail therapy, that's totally okay. But if you really want to set a goal for yourself or develop a fitness practice you can actually keep throughout the year, you have to be specific and get honest with yourself. Luckily for you, we've called in some back up. Some of our favorite fitness folks on Instagram are here to prescribe you fitness goals that are meant to empower you with realistic parameters, and also remember that fitness is supposed to be for you. These are their resolutions, which you are more than welcome to adapt for yourself.

Kyle Krieger

Less Red Meat
"This year I'm committed to eating less red meat. Cutting mammals out of my diet is a solid way to lower my personal impact on the planet and also leave room on my plate to add planet protein, fruit, berries, and unsaturated fats like avocado and most nuts. Since what you eat is 70 percent how you look, this is a sure way to help keep your plate full with a clean diet."

Group Fitness
"I don't love going to the gym for a personal workout. Even with a great playlist, I get bored, check my phone, can't keep my heart rate up. I end up socializing even when I try to avoid everyone. Group fitness has changed that. Whether it's boot camp, Crossfit, yoga, or a spin class, I know for that hour I am engaged, consistently challenging myself, and usually having fun! I feel very accomplished afterwards. It's one of my favorite ways to workout. So commit to adding one or two group classes to your week to keep it interesting, get out of your plateau and exercise some muscles you may miss during your normal routine."

Kevin Carnell

Prioritize Mental Health
"I'm prioritizing my mental health just as much as I do my physical health. I want to take more time to relax, meditate, and calm myself from the disciplined regimen required to maintain my body."

Jessamyn Stanley

Keep Fitness Fun
"My fitness resolution is to actively remember my inner child when approaching all fitness and wellness goals. I'm able to remember that fitness and wellness goals are meant to be fun and stress-free. When we take the stress away from fitness and wellness goals and commit to being gentle with our spirits, we're able to make long-term shifts in our overall wellness as opposed to the short-term fulfillment that's frequently synonymous with resolutions."

Matty Maggiacomo

Find an Accountability Partner
"I understand that keeping your New Year's Resolution can be like catching a unicorn every year. It escapes you. Honestly, most people forget their resolutions after a few weeks and there is nobody there who cares enough to keep you in check! To keep them accountable, find a resolution buddy -- someone who will check in on you and ask about your progress or, better yet, someone who shares that same resolution and will check in with you mutually throughout the year!"

Keep Your Resolutions Specific
"Too often we're not specific with our fitness goals. It's not enough to make a resolution like, 'I want to get a six-pack.' It's too broad, it's challenging to measure, and has no process attached. A better resolution would be, 'I want to improve my core strength and reduce my waist line to 32 inches by cutting out sugar and exercising 4 times per week.' From there, you want to record your progress using an exercise or nutrition diary in order to hold yourself accountable."

Follow Matty Maggiacomo on Instagram.