Although we are close to midway through 2018, it’s not too late to begin working toward the fitness goals you set at the beginning of the year. There’s still plenty of time to hit those marks you set for yourself, and it doesn’t have to be done in a way that’s painful or boring. These are 3 easy and fun ways to crush your fitness goals in 2018.

1. Find the Right Gym

One of the best ways to immediately start your journey toward fitness success is finding a gym that’s nearby and you feel comfortable in. There are so many gyms available these days that it is generally an easy process. Each gym is different, and it’s important to choose one that can cater towards your personal goals.

Why is choosing a good gym a step towards hitting your fitness goals? Simply put, it will give you many of the tools necessary to get your body into the shape you desire. Want to lose weight? Find a gym with a large number of different cardio options including treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. Looking to put on muscle? Join a gym with different heavy lifting options such as bench presses, squat areas, and free weights.

Hitting the gym isn’t always the perfect answer for fitness success, but it can be one of the best ways to set healthy habits. Finding a gym that you feel comfortable in and offers the type of equipment needed for your personal goals is a fantastic first step to crush your fitness goals in 2018.

2. Research the Correct Diet for You

The days of following a basic food pyramid diet are long gone. There are so many different ways to eat nowadays that can help people reach a wide range of different health goals. It’s always a good idea to load up on healthy greens and fruits, however, following a specific, strict diet is a terrific way to ensure your body is moving in the direction you want.

Much like choosing a gym, there are many different diets you can choose that will affect your body in different ways. Both paleo and ketogenic diets are popular with those looking to lose weight. Essentially, both these diets emphasize cutting down on carbs to allow the body to shed weight. There are differences between the two, yet both have produced real results with those looking to lose pounds.

If gaining healthy weight is a priority, a high-protein, high caloric diet will help. Of course, this doesn’t mean eating cheeseburgers every day. Foods like chicken breasts and healthy carbs such as sweet potatoes will go a long way. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to track your caloric intake and ensure you’re eating enough to gain the weight you desire.

3. Set Both Long and Short-Term Goals

One mistake that many people make when looking to reach their fitness goals is setting quick milestones and giving up when they are not met. It’s easy to get discouraged when fitness results are not immediately noticed, and it’s important to understand that reaching these goals is a marathon, not a sprint. To help curb this problem, make sure to set both long and short-term goals.

Long-term goals can be results you want to see in your body, or even a schedule you want to adhere to over a long period of time. Setting a goal for the future gives you motivation to work hard and sets the vision of what you want to reach.

Short-term fitness goals are equally as important. Oftentimes, after only a short time of exercise and healthy eating, you will begin to notice a difference in your body. Once you’ve reached an understanding of your body’s progress, set weekly goals you want to accomplish. These can be anything from increasing your mile time by a few seconds or losing a certain amount of weight. Clear, realistic goals both long and short-term are instrumental in the success to crush your fitness goals this year.

More than anything, stay motivated and disciplined when heading toward your goals. Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t need to be miserable; in fact, it should be fun and exciting. Take the time to plan your goals and enjoy as you become a healthier, happier person.