The pecan pie was rich, syrupy and delicious. The apple pie was sweet and refreshing. The ice cream was, well… it’s ice cream and it was awesome. All the wine and beer, they were fun.

I subconsciously think I over indulge during the holidays to give me a hole to climb out of in the new year. I like this strategy.

I start the year off with a struggle and a small goal. I then let it build and change as the year moves along.

For 2016 I am pulling out all of the stops. While sitting in an apple pie induced carb coma I had visions of how I am going to make 2016 my best fitness year yet.

It is all about themes. I find goals to be limiting and too specific for living a fit life. Every time I reach a goal, it is disappointingly anti-climatic. In 2016 I am saying goodbye to goals and resolutions and living by themes. My fitness themes for 2016 are to improve my fitness by training outdoors and to keep my diet healthy by eating all natural, single ingredient, non processed foods. If I live by these themes, the smaller details will fall into place.
Micro routines. Micro routines are something I have been playing around with over the last few months and having a blast doing so. Micro routines are short full body workouts that I can complete anywhere. For example, 20 kettlebell swings, 20 goblet squats, 20 push-ups. Rest. Repeat. This can be done right out of the back of your car in 20 minutes. I use micro routines when I am short on time, when it is too cold to be outside for a long period of time, and when I am traveling. Create your own and give it a try.
Small challenges. I love my weekend challenge workouts. The challenges are fun and rewarding, but can be lengthy. In an effort to make everything competitive (I can’t help it) I started introducing small challenges into my routine. Over the holidays my brother in law and I where short on time for a full workout, so we did a two minute push-up challenge. When I was in college, my training partner and I would finish our workouts with a dip competition, the loser had to by the other dinner on their meal card. Small challenges keep it interesting and make training more of a sport or competition when exercising with a partner. I will be doing more in 2016.
Fitness for purpose. My main purpose for training and being fit is to help my JuJitsu and Muay Thai. When I grab hold of an opponent I want my strength to be palpable. I also don't ever want to find myself gasping for air and tired. That’s it. This purpose will continue to guide my strength and conditioning efforts in 2016.
Buddy system. Training is better with friends. In 2016 I am going to to be more inclusive in my training and recruit more partners. This will help hold me accountable during my workouts and keep training interesting.
New Gear. I am a walking contradiction. I like to keep my training simple, however, I love trying out new gear. Recently, I have been getting more into kettlebell training and trying to incorporate their use outdoors. Having the perfect piece of equipment to help complete an exercise is like having the right tool for the job. It makes training more effective and enjoyable. In 2016 I will be trying out new gear to amplify my workouts.
Consistency. Consistency is the most important aspect of being fit. I am going to strive to be consistent in my training in 2016. As long as I make it through snowboarding season without injury, I will probably be okay.

I am now going to climb out of my holiday induced hole and get started. Take action, join me in making 2016 your best fitness year yet!