Eat healthier? Get in shape? Go vegetarian? Complete a triathlon

As 2018 draws to a close and 2019 begins, many Americans are thinking about New Year’s resolutions. The most common resolutions have to do with improving health and losing weight.

According to Carolyn Kaloostian, clinical assistant professor of family medicine and geriatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, there are many reasons why fewer than 1 in 10 people achieve success.

“These start-of-the-year priorities unfortunately get sidelined due to competing obligations, responsibilities, and commitments from work or family,” said Kaloostian.

Kaloostian shared five tips to help those setting New Year’s resolutions reach their goals:

Although joining a gym may seem like a surefire path to better fitness, and is even more appealing at this time of year due to discounts, Kaloostian cautions that “crowded gyms may not live up to your expectations and waiting for your favorite machines is very disappointing.”

“I see some of the best results from patients who join a team and compete with others in obstacles races and runs,” said Kaloostian. “They train together, help each other through injuries, develop great friendships due to similar goals, and have short-term goals to succeed at the upcoming course.

Making New Year’s resolutions stick: Start slowly

“For those who are new to getting moving, our so-called ‘couch potatoes,’ I strongly recommend starting with a short low-intensity fast-paced walk, about 15 minutes daily after stretching of course, to get into the groove and see how good it feels to just get moving. It would be dangerous to jump into an intense workout regimen which may result in injuries,” added Kaloostian.

Above all, Kaloostian encourages people to be both realistic and optimistic about their resolutions.

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