So let's get going!
What does fitness mean to you? Fitness can mean a variety of things depending on who you ask and what their goals are. You need to determine what your goals are and then develop a plan to reach those goals. The goal could be to lose 10 pounds, compete in a triathlon, run a 5K, learn to lift weights, learn Zumba, compete in a bodybuilding show or as simple as improve your overall appearance.
It sounds simple enough so why do so many people fail? They don't have a plan or they have a plan that is unrealistic. You must take an accurate assessment of your physical health. Be realistic and honest. How healthy or unhealthy are you? How vigorous of a workout plan can you handle physically without growing frustrated? How much time do you have to commit to your exercise plan?
Assess your lifestyle including work demands, kids schedules, family commitments. There is time for exercise but you may need to sacrifice some 'down time' to fit it in - such as watching your favorite TV program or happy hour with friends. You also need to find a balance. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. But you do need to be committed to your plan or you will develop excuses to not get it done when you are tired or busy.
If you are a couch potato and eat unhealthy, it may be a bit to drastic to all of the sudden decide to workout seven days a week and change all of your eating habits in one felled swoop. The first week may go well, but it will be overwhelming very quickly and most just end up quitting before they even really got started. In this instance, baby steps may be a better approach to ensure long-term success.
An example would be to begin a workout regime with two or three days a week and changing at least one meal a day to a healthier choice. Make a conscious effort to explore other healthy menu options - substitute steel cut oats instead of a bagel for breakfast. Use a high fiber bread for lunch instead of the soft white bread. Choose healthy snacks like almonds, plain greek yogurt or veggies instead of a protein bar which is really just a candy bar with more protein.
Explore new types of protein such a fish or ground turkey instead of beef. Experiment with new seasonings and veggies to dress up your meals to fill your plate so you feel satisfied when you sit down to eat. If the taste of food is important to you, then put forth the effort to make healthy food taste good without all the calories. It is possible!
If you are at a more advanced stage of physical health but would like to step it up, think about something you have always wanted to try but were afraid or didn't want to look stupid. There are very few people who are great at anything the first time they try it. It takes patience, discipline and dedication. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
Seek out a challenge. Do some research on your own. The Internet provides a wealth of information right at your fingertips. Seek out people who are doing what you want to do. Gather information. Make a plan. Commit to the plan. Get a coach or a trainer if need be, but do your homework on them to make sure they know what they are doing. Put the plan into action. Only you can do it but you may need the support of others as well so don't be shy about asking for it.
Tomorrow will always come but you have the power to decide how your tomorrow will begin and end. Will it be just another day you wished you would have begun or will it be the day you begin your journey to a healthier you?
Feel free to comment or ask questions!
Thanks and GOOD LUCK!
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