So, you want to start working out and are finding that it’s easier said than done. If only dreams and good intentions burned as many calories as an elliptical, right?. What causes problems for most people is the way they think of working out and living healthy.
Most see it as just one more thing they have to do three or four times a week like it’s another errand like picking up the dry-cleaning. In truth, it is a lifestyle change.
You have to do it right. Here’s how.
Make the Gym a Habit
Actor Terry Crewes has some of the best advice to get your workout mojo on. He suggests going to the gym for 21 straight days. He says you don’t even have to work out every time. You can sit there and read or chill for an hour or two.
But going 21 days straight will make going to the gym a habit that your mind gets used to. That will make it easier to stick to any fitness plan.
Bring a Friend
One great way to make it to the gym is to use the buddy system. It’s easy to convince ourselves to skip a day since good excuses are infinite, but when someone else is expecting you, suddenly it becomes a commitment. Plus, a little mutual encouragement can go a long way.
Eat Right
A healthy diet is par for the course when it comes to a fitness plan, but it goes further than the idea of cutting calories. In fact, calories aren’t as big of a factor as their source is. Food is fuel for the body, and the quality of that fuel affect how we perform.
800 calories from a grilled chicken breast, salad, and whole grain bread will lead to a much more effective workout than 800 calories worth of pizza and soft drinks.
There are also a wide array of nutritional supplements like Kraken pre-workout you can take which will give your body a healthy boost before hitting the gym and make any workout more effective.
Set Realistic Fitness Goals
If you are out of shape, you aren’t going to have washboard abs or be up for running a marathon inside of a month of joining a gym. Even more mundane goals like pure weight loss and achieving a lower heart rate takes time.
If you are fifty pounds overweight at the start of the month, don’t expect to lose those pounds at the end of the month.
Also, keep in mind that a single method like measuring weight loss can paint an incomplete picture. People who start weight training often gain weight, as they replace fat with muscle mass.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
No two people are the same. One person may have the genes to develop perfect pecs, while someone else might be able to drop the baby weight with no problem. Don’t compare yourself with any celebrity either. Most have a small army of personal trainers and nutritionists in their corner, and even then, their images are photoshopped, and body parts like their abs are sprayed on to make them appear more defined.
Focus on yourself, how much you’ve improved, and where you can go. That’s the path to success.
Find Your Own Personal Trainer
Exercise and fitness are more complicated than many realize. Sure, going to the gym and hitting the machines is better than not working out at all, but a personal trainer can help you get the most out of your workout. They are also a great way to keep yourself motivated. Most gyms give their members access to personal trainers, sometimes for a small additional fee, and it’s worth it.
Do More than Just Work Out
Is there some physical activity or sport you wanted to try? Why not do it. Sign up for yoga classes, martial arts, sports like softball and volleyball, or even play more golf – assuming you walk the course instead of using a cart. Sometimes these activities can work in a synergy of motivation like hitting the gym so that you perform better when you step onto the tennis court.
Sleep
Sleep can make all the difference when it comes to overall wellness. Not getting enough of it can lead to serious health issues such as depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity just to name a few. Most importantly though, at least when it comes to working out, you don’t want to feel too tired to go to the gym.
Conclusion
Getting fit and healthy doesn’t only happen between the time you walk through the gym doors and back out. It is literally a 24/7 lifestyle. It is a lifestyle that is well worth it though, and getting fit and healthy isn’t as hard as it sounds.
