Jasmine Kwon Zutter
Owner, Class Studios
“Come up with a reason that transcends physicality and aesthetics, like numbers on a scale or dress size. Is it so you can have more energy at work and in your relationships? Is it so you have a consistent outlet when things don’t go your way and stress enters your life? Is it so that you can accomplish a goal you’ve had on your list for a long time, like running a long-distance race? When the resolution is about making a significant change for a greater goal, you’re less likely to become discouraged and more likely to stick to it for the right reasons.”
Aimee Urista
Lead trainer, SculptHouse
“Accountability is huge. I always tell my clients to say their goals out loud to their family and friends so they can help them stay on track. I also think putting motivational notes around your house, car, and desk is a great way to give yourself a quick reminder of your goal throughout the day. Most important, always keep in mind the ‘why’ behind your goal. You will be far more likely to stick to something that has an emotional connection around it as opposed to a number on the scale.”
Michele Fennema
Instructor, Session Pilates & Barry’s Bootcamp
“We all have those days where working out or avoiding the Chick-fil-A goodness seems like the end of the world. Some days it’s very important to just take it easy, but obviously don’t get crazy on the food binge. Maybe opt for a walk on the trail instead of a 60-minute high-intensity class. Exercising should never be about what you are giving up. Instead, you should focus on what you are gaining from it.”
Kevin Cummings
Senior instructor, SoulCycle
“If you feel like your workouts have been stagnant, then find a way to shake things up. So many people associate working out as this awful time set aside in their day, and that somehow it has to be this miserable experience. It’s not! Working out is a celebration of what your body can do, not what it cannot. I never thought I would like Pilates classes, but I took one almost a year ago with an instructor that I loved, and it was an instant click. Now I cross-train with Pilates one to two times a week in addition to my normal class schedule.”
Bryer Lappin
Instructor, Barry’s Bootcamp
“For me, I like to set my focus on only one or two main goals at a time in order not to get overwhelmed. I then make a plan or list of ways I can work to achieve these goals. This could include making grocery lists and meal prepping in order to hit nutritional goals, too. Book all of your workouts for the week on Sunday night.”
Georgette Dunn
Instructor, We Yogis
“Add in more of what you already enjoy. For example: if you enjoy dancing, try a Zumba class. If you hate routine workouts, try ClassPass or join a gym with a robust list of offerings. If you hate cooking, try healthy food delivery services that offer prepped ingredients or premade wholesome meals. Starting is the hardest part, so if fear starts to creep in, I encourage clients to bring a friend or find a studio or gym that is close to work or home, where they will likely run into someone they know.”
Digital Drivers
All of the trainers agree—utilizing technology and at-home equipment can help you reach your goals. Just remember, if counting calories or tracking steps sets off a trigger, listen to your body first.
“Apps [like My Fitness Pal or the Apple Watch] that track your movement, heart rate, and calories burned can help. For people who need the extra motivation to keep going, having something tangible that shows results in real time can be beneficial.”
—Georgia Dunn
“Kira Stokes’ mini resistant bands. I throw together a playlist that has the exact amount of time I have available (10 to 30 minutes) and do a quick fun ab and booty workout on my mat at home.”
—Michelle Fennema
“An iPhone to set my alarm for early morning workouts and a great playlist to keep me amped.” —Jasmine Zutter
“When I was training for marathons, I used my Garmin watch to track everything—now it’s the Apple Watch.” —Aimee Urista
“I am a big fan of the Whoop. It’s a small piece of equipment that you wear on your wrist that syncs up with your phone to track your daily recovery, strain, and sleep patterns to optimize your training and recovery schedule. I also got a Theragun recently and it has helped tremendously with the aches and pains.” —Kevin Cummings
