Whether you are trying to squeeze into that “perfect” size for a reunion or wedding or you are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired; getting into shape and staying in shape doesn’t have to be an insurmountable conquest if you have the right tools and plenty of support.
Wikihow.com offered some useful tips on how to get in shape and just lead a healthier lifestyle in general.
Make a commitment
Be real with yourself before embarking upon a serious fitness regimen. How badly do you want this and are you willing to put forth a little sacrifice and pain in order to achieve your goal?
Review previous fitness attempts. Knowing why you fell off the wagon or what went wrong in the past will help you pave the way to a more successful future.
Find a buddy to help you keep your goals in check. Have a close friend, spouse or relative you trust hold you accountable throughout your journey. This doesn’t mean they have to bark at you if you slip up; rather be there to pick you up and cheer you onto victory.
Commit to eating healthier
When it comes to eating healthier, the definition of health food may mean one thing to a one individual and something entirely different to another.
Know the truth about what fuels muscle and weight loss. Your workouts and nutrition plan must work hand in hand in order for you to see results. Some people believe that if they work out hard they can eat whatever they want, which is simply not true. What you fuel your body with will directly dictate if you are going to see results or not. Become educated about what will help your body achieve results by consulting a nutritionist.
Understand that you will have a few days when you feel a little crabby. Sugar withdrawal can be pretty intense so even if you slowly remove it from your diet your body may still crave it for a few days. Prepare ahead of time to feel a little sugar depraved as you transition away from processed foods to a more natural, healthy diet.
Learn how to cook. Eating and cooking at home will set you up for greater success than eating out. When you dine out you rarely know what is in the food – except that it tastes good. You may think you are eating a healthy meal when in reality it is loaded with fat and calories.
Start with small goals
Everyone has to start somewhere so if it means that your first goal is being able to make it up a flight of stairs; make it your goal until you can command those stairs and not think twice. Keep striving towards higher ones. Don’t rest on your laurels once you’ve reached the small goal.
Don’t beat yourself up if you stumble or fail to reach your goals right away. Remember, goal attainment is not linear and will be a struggle, making achievement that much sweeter. Be realistic and set yourself up for success.
Apply the same principals of diet to exercise
Deciding to run a marathon after being a lifetime couch potato may be a little too lofty of a goal. Instead you want to apply small ones but those that you can stick to every single day.
Raise your heart rate every day. Begin by working out at least 30 minutes a day and increase your time to an hour a day as you adapt.
Choose a workout that you enjoy. Hate running? Try zumba. Not a fan of spinning? Consider crossfit. There are endless types of workouts and certainly one or more will be fun and deliver results.
Celebrate milestones
However, instead of celebrating being able to fit into a new size with a hot fudge sundae, treat yourself to something different such as a day of pampering.
Make sure friends, family and supporters know. Don’t keep good news a secret, share your success with others. Also, by letting people know how well you are doing you will be held more accountable to not slide backward.
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