Don’t we all wish we could be super fit like those fitness celebrities and just work out for a living? That’s totally unrealistic for working people like us, but we have some tips to help you get started with creating a fitness lifestyle.
Set achievable goals
If you currently only exercise one time per week it isn’t realistic for you to all of a sudden claim you will go seven days a week. Set achievable goals and revisit them as you hit your mark. According to Stefan Underwood, an expert at EXOS, goals must be “Specific, Measurable, Agreed-Upon, Realistic, and Time Based – aka they need to be SMART.” Make your goal specific enough that you can measure it. If you want to do weight training exercises for weight loss, your goal can be anything from “I will work out 30 minutes a day” to “I will go to the gym three times per week.” Once you are able to achieve the goal you set, adjust it slightly to maximize your gains.
Start low and progress slowly
If you have never worked out before, or you have taken an extended hiatus from working out, then start small. Maybe you and your friends could go for a bike ride twice a week if you are an outdoorsy person. Or if you would like to start going to the gym, but aren’t quite sure about all those machines, start by going to the classes a few times a week. The point is, just get started! Often times getting started is the hardest part, but once you take that first step the routine will get easier by the day.
Create a routine
It takes 21 days to make a habit. It will take your body some time to adjust, but the more consistent you are with your routine the easier it will be to decide to workout. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting about 30 minutes of cardio on most days of the week and strength training at least two days per week. Once you get into a routine of working out being a part of your lifestyle you will begin to crave getting those workouts in.
Plan your workouts
Many people don’t achieve the gains they desire at the gym because they only work out one body part. To avoid staying stagnant make a schedule. Nick Tumminello, C.P.T., owner of Performance University in Fort Lauderdale and author of Strength Training for Fat Loss, says, “Before you can craft the ideal workout sessions, you need to determine how often you can (realistically) hit the gym. That’s because, if you are going to perform three or fewer workouts per week, it’s most effective to make every workout a total-body one.” So if you are busy and don’t have time for the gym, then the time that you spend there needs to be worthwhile. Make a plan to work your arms on Monday, legs on Wednesday, and abs and chest on Friday. Being consistent with your workouts will help you to see what your body needs each week.
Know your why
Whether it is a number on the scale, toning your muscles, or simply being able to play backyard football with your kids you need to know why you want to change your lifestyle. Having a reason for getting to a healthier lifestyle will infinitely help you achieve success. Once you know your why, find ways to remind yourself of that. Maybe set an alarm on your phone, or write your why on the mirror of your bathroom, so you have a daily reminder of why you want to workout.
Get an accountability partner
It is a lot more difficult to tell your friend you are not going to show up to that 5 AM workout than it is to tell yourself. It is easy to let ourselves down, but typically when there is a friend expecting you to workout with them, you will be less likely to bail. An accountability partner will help both of you achieve fitness your goals, live a healthier lifestyle, and foster a friendship.
Creating a fitness lifestyle does not have to be hard, it just has to be consistent. Bring your friends along on this fitness journey and watch your life change in more ways than just fitness.
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