Get Fit – Whether your clothes are feeling tighter than you like, you have made a New Year’s resolution, or you would just like to feel healthier and better, at some point, we all declare we are going to get fit.
The hard part then comes into play where you actually have to follow through. It is not always easy to start on a healthy lifestyle journey, however, we have seven tips for you to help you get in shape and get a sustainable routine established so your fitness goals can be achieved.
Table of Contents
Be Honest About It
Some people can commit themselves to get up early and work out first thing in the morning, while others prefer working out at night after work. What is important is to do what works the best for you. Get Fit is not better than the other. You are the one who knows yourself the best. When you are making your workout plan, be honest about things, especially if working out is not something you are especially fond of.
The same thing is true when making changes to your eating habits. If you try to completely eliminate sweets it’s going to be miserable if you are someone who loves sweets. You are not likely to be successful if you try to follow a “no sweets” rule.
It is definitely not easy to try to get new, healthy habits established. Don’t make things harder by setting healthy eating goals or a workout routine that are not in alignment with your personality and preferences.
Set Realistic Goals
Whenever you are starting to work out and get in shape, it can be overwhelming to set big goals. Instead, start out with more attainable, smaller goals such as committing to doing physical activity for 30 minutes per day or exercising three times per week.
If you don’t know how to get started, find a personal trainer to work with and review your goals with them. The trainer can help you develop a plan to help you achieve your goals. When it comes to dealing with your eating habits, speak to a nutritionist or doctor to ensure that the changes you are making are in alignment with the results that you desire and are healthy.
Treat Your Workouts Like Meetings
When you have a doctor’s appointment or work meeting, you would not skip them, so make the same commitment for your workouts. When your favorite activity is not working out, finding excuses to miss them can be easy to do. There are tons of reasons for not working out such as you didn’t get enough sleep and Get Fit could use an extra 30 minutes, a friend wants to get together with you, etc.
Set times for your workouts and then stick with your schedule. If something arises and interrupts a pre-planned workout, reschedule it instead of just skipping it.
Find a Workout That You Enjoy
You will not be motivated to do something you really don’t like. However, if there is a class, workout, or exercise that you actually enjoy, then you will look forward to doing it.
If you hate to run, find something else to do. Don’t let that prevent you from getting in shape. Consider taking a class and speak to your personal trainer about trying out different exercises, methods, and machines. These days there are many different kinds of workout classes that are available, from spin and dance to yoga and Pilates. Try different ones out to see if you can find something that you really enjoy.
You could also start to play a sport. Maybe you loved to play basketball or soccer in your younger days. If so, see if there are any regular pickup games or recreational teams you can join. If you have always wanted to try out a certain sport, try it!
Get Fit: When you really enjoy something, it will not feel like work any longer.
Find Out What Motivates You
Everyone’s motivators are different and one key to being able to stick with your commitment of getting in shape is to discover what motivates you.
If you work best when you are being held accountable by someone else, find a friend to work out with to help keep one another on track and motivated. If you need accountability and words of encouragement but do not have a workout buddy, make posts on social media about your progress. Get Fit, Remind yourself that you are working on something that is important and meaningful to you to help you get through the tough times.
Address Your Eating Habits
No matter how much you exercise or how hard you work out, It is going to be much more difficult to get in shape if your eating habits are unhealthy. Although it can be tempting to try quick-fix cleanses and fad diets, they do not help you establish a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable.
Instead, make a commitment to limit your vice and eat better. Start by making some basic changes. If you drink a lot of soda, limit yourself to just one can per day or completely cut it out. If you eat a lot of fast food, limit yourself to just one per week or make a commitment to cook at home five nights per week at least. Push yourself to make substantial changes. However, don’t go to the extremes or you won’t follow through on a consistent basis.
Keep Going
When trying to get in shape and working out, it is always better to do something instead of nothing. Don’t make excuses, if your running shoes are hurting consider orthotics, if you hate exercising in the morning try an evening, if you can’t get to a class do a home workout instead. Whenever you feel like you are about to slip up, push yourself to keep going and do a bit more. Skipping the fries and ordering something healthy at the drive-thru or doing a 10 to 20-minute workout can definitely help. You don’t have to be perfect. If you can push yourself a bit whenever you are not wanting to do anything can help you stay on track. You will feel good about sticking with your commitment.