Weight Loss – Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution, because your clothes are a bit tighter than you’d like, or simply because you want to feel better and be healthier, we’ve all declared that we’re going to get in shape at one point to another.
Changing your body composition takes time and commitment to healthy lifestyle habits. It’s difficult to make significant changes in body composition in a short amount of time. However, over just a few weeks of exercising and eating a nutritious diet, you may be able to see some positive benefits in your weight, body composition, and overall strength, and with perseverance, you will feel more energy, satisfaction, and an improved sense of well-being.
In addition, be sure to support your new exercise routine with a well-balanced diet to fuel your new workouts and get your body in shape.
Starting your healthy lifestyle journey isn’t always easy, but some tips for getting in shape can help you establish a sustainable routine to achieve your fitness goals.
The same goes for revamping your eating habits. If you have a major sweet tooth you’ll be miserable if you try to cut out sweets entirely. You’re also not likely to succeed with a strict “no sweets” rule.
You’re trying to establish new, healthy habits, and establishing habits isn’t exactly easy. Don’t make it harder on yourself by setting a workout routine or healthy eating goals that don’t align with your personal.
If you’re not sure where to start, hire a personal trainer and discuss your goals; he or she will be able to help you create a plan to achieve those goals. When addressing your eating habits, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to make sure the changes you make are healthy and in line with your desired results.
Set your workout schedule and stick to it. If something comes up that interrupts one of your pre-planned workouts don’t just skip it, reschedule it.
If you hate running, find something else, and don’t let that be the reason you stop trying to get in shape. Talk to your trainer about trying different machines, methods, and exercises and look into taking a class. There are so many different types of workout classes now, from yoga and Pilates to spin and dance. Try out different ones and see if there’s something you like.
You can also start playing a sport. If you loved soccer or basketball when you were younger, look into recreational teams or regular pickup games you can join. If there’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, get out there and give it a go!
When you truly enjoy what you’re doing it won’t feel like work anymore.
If you work better when someone else holds you accountable, find a workout buddy to keep each other motivated and on track. If you need words of encouragement and accountability without a workout buddy, turn to your social media profiles and post about your progress.
Your goal is to start playing a sport, run a marathon, or get stronger, keep that goal in mind when you need a motivation boost. Reminding yourself that you’re working towards something meaningful and important to you will help push you through the rough patches.
Instead, commit to eating better and limiting your vices.
Start with simple changes.
If you’re an avid soda drinker, cut it out entirely or limit yourself to one can a day. If you find yourself at the fast-food drive-thru more often than not, go only once a week or commit to cooking at home at least five nights a week. Push yourself so that you make substantial changes, but don’t go so extreme that you won’t consistently follow through.
