Strategies to Get in Shape
How to get started and stick to your goal
From the LifeMinute.TV Team
January 14th, 2022
Getting fit isn’t easy, but there are things you can do to make your fitness journey smoother, even fun. Here are some strategies to help you get in shape and stay there.
Set Reachable Goals
In the beginning, you may feel very ambitious, setting a lofty goal like losing a large amount of weight or running a marathon. But goals that are too lofty could set you up to fail. Go for a more measurable goal. Instead of aiming to lose 30 pounds, go for 5 pounds. Instead of training for a marathon, first, try to run a mile without stopping or in a specific timeframe. These should be more attainable goals you can accomplish. Once you do, it can give you even more motivation to hit the next marker.
Make a Workout a Meeting
Treat your workout times just as important as a meeting. Schedule them on your calendar or set an alarm on your phone. If you miss one, reschedule it for that day. Including a workout buddy or participating in group exercise classes can also help keep you accountable to your "fitness meetings."
Diet Matters
You can work out every day but still struggle because of your diet. If you are eating fast food with little nutrition, your body won’t be able to work to its optimal abilities, so make sure to eat lots of veggies and lean protein and drink plenty of water to rehydrate. When you start to eat smart, you should begin to see results when it comes to fitness.
Switch it Up
Changing the kind of fitness activities you do could make a difference. You might feel less bored with your workouts. Your muscles might be less bored too. Our bodies need different types of exercise to target different muscle groups and help them adapt and get stronger. That can help your brain stay sharp too.
Don’t Overdo it
You may want to hit the gym seven days a week, but that is not what is best for your body. Give yourself days off from intense workouts. On off days, go for a walk or bike ride to keep active. And to avoid injury or burnout, don't go too hard in the beginning. Fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. If you want to live a fit lifestyle, you need to make your routine sustainable.