Committing to starting a fitness lifestyle can be tough. There are so many obstacles that stand in the way of beginning an exercise routine. In this article, Dr Ryan Shelton will discuss some simple steps you can take to make it as easy as possible to get started and stay committed!
Determine your Fitness Goals
When it comes to fitness goals, there are many things to consider. For example, do you want to lose weight, gain muscle mass, or improve overall health and well-being? Selecting and striving towards a goal that is important to you personally is essential. Once you know what goal you’d like to achieve, it will be much easier to create an effective plan tailored specifically for you.
Set Realistic Expectations
It’s also important to set realistic expectations. Don’t strive toward unrealistic goals or strive towards goals that are impossible to achieve – this will only set you up for disappointment. Start with smaller goals and work your way up.
Make it Fun!
For many individuals, working is more fun when you have something to look forward to. Try creating rewards for yourself when you reach milestones in your fitness journey. For example, you might want to reward yourself with a massage or a mini-vacation after you have been exercising for six weeks.
Find a Support System or Partner
Another way you can make working out more enjoyable is by working out with a partner. Group classes are becoming increasingly popular, such as boot camps, yoga classes, and dance classes. All of these are great ways to socialize and stay committed!
Additionally, having a support system, such as a workout partner or friend, is crucial for helping you stay on track and maintain a fitness lifestyle.
Set a Realistic Timeline
Setting a realistic timeline is important as well. We all want to see immediate results when we work out, but it simply doesn’t work that way. Bodies take time to change. Keeping a realistic timeline and expectations keep you motivated as you progress along your journey.
Create an Exercise Plan
The next step is to create an exercise plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. If you work long hours and don’t have time to go to the gym, then consider incorporating some at-home workouts into your routine. If you enjoy being outdoors, find a hiking trail or park where you can walk or jog. There is no wrong way to get active as long as it fits into your schedule, and you enjoy doing it!
Invest in Good-Quality Workout Clothes
Quality workout clothes can be very pricey, but it's worth the investment if you are serious about getting fit. Working out in clothes that make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious can hinder your progress. When you look good, you feel good – and that will show during your workouts!
Keep a Food Journal
Finally, keep a food journal of what you eat, how much you eat, and what times you’re eating. This will help you identify patterns in your eating behavior that can help motivate you to make changes. For example, if you’re trying to cut out unnecessary carbs and you realize you’re stopping at local coffee shop for a muffin with your afternoon latte 2-3 days per week, then this might help motivate you to pack a healthy snack instead. The last thing you want is to hinder yourself when you’re trying to achieve your fitness goals.
Final Thoughts
Starting a fitness lifestyle can be daunting, but it's worth it in the end! By following these simple tips, it can help make your fitness journey a lot easier and more enjoyable. Remember to set realistic goals and a great fitness plan, find a support system or partner, invest in high-quality workout clothes, and keep a food journal. Most importantly, have fun, and don't forget to celebrate your progress along the way!
