Whether you’ve taken a long break from the gym or have never been so fit, it’s never too late to start getting in shape. Some people do it for cosmetic reasons, but the main reason is that movement is one of the best forms of self-care. Getting your body in shape makes you feel better, and there are some tips to help you make that journey.
1. Stay honest and responsible
Being responsible and being honest with yourself is the first step. Be honest about what works best for you. Are you naturally a morning person who prefers to exercise in the morning? Or do you prefer playing sports or doing an activity like swimming to a more structured workout in a gym setting? This honesty extends to your diet, too: Instead of trying to eliminate guilty pleasures entirely, allow yourself treats in small portions but try to establish overall healthy habits.
2. Be realistic
Although it can be tempting to find shortcuts to lose 20 pounds in a matter of days, slow and steady wins the race, and being unrealistic can also be downright dangerous. Don’t set some crazy weight loss goal or try to skip certain entire food groups. Moderation is key, and there’s actually some evidence that getting too hung up on a diet can backfire. Instead, set achievable goals. This can be committing to a certain amount of physical activity per week or eating a smaller-than-usual serving of dessert. You can always schedule a meeting with a personal trainer or nutritionist for further guidance regarding your goals.
3. Find the perfect workout that you enjoy
If you hate running, don’t go running! There are endless workout options for you to try, from home videos to Pilates classes. Finding an exercise you like is one of the most important steps in this process. Some people love a studio workout environment and sweat it out with weights or cardio machines, while others prefer biking, swimming, or outdoor sports and activities. Everyone is stimulated differently, and if you find something you enjoy to get your heart rate up, the results will appear faster.
4. Prioritize it and find your motivator
Take it seriously: You would never miss a doctor’s appointment or an important conference at work, so don’t miss a workout! It’s also very easy to find excuses, but sticking to a routine and schedule will help it become a more normal part of your lifestyle. Also, finding the right motivator is essential. Some people thrive on a boot camp experience or with training partners to help push and encourage them. Others exercise better when they get into the zone and are alone with their headphones on. Having a goal like running a marathon can also help you stay motivated.
5. Eating habits are important
If you only put processed foods into your body, you won’t feel very good. It’s also not an effective fuel for your workout, so finding foods that are healthy but fill you up is an important part of getting fit. Limit vices, but don’t feel the need to eliminate them completely. Downsizing is still a big problem. For example, if you’re a daily soda drinker, try to drink only one can a week, or only on certain days of the week. Another great way to improve your eating habits is to learn how to cook some of your favorite foods, or at least a healthy version of them. Cooking can promote nutritious eating in a better way than fad diets and juice cleanses.
6. Exercise at home
If getting in shape seems daunting, doing a few simple moves from the comfort and privacy of your own home can make a world of difference. Even without weights or resistance bands, there are plenty of home exercises you can try, like squats, dips, and triceps dips done in a chair. You can do this while watching TV or listening to music – it will increase your heart rate and you only have to do it for 20 minutes a day to experience the benefits. Hate the idea of a home workout? Doing strenuous housework and laundry also count as a way to get your blood pumping to burn calories and get your heart rate up.
7. Watch free videos on YouTube
There are tons of free exercise videos from YouTube fitness professionals like FitbyMik. Whether your activity of choice is HIIT, TRX, Pilates, yoga, or strength training, you can find a zero-cost trainer by watching these videos on YouTube. Time will fly by and you will take the guesswork out of structuring your own training as an experienced professional has already done that work for you. Sites like NEOU fitness and Daily Burn are subscription-based services that offer similar resources.
