THE FIVE EASY STEPS TO SUCCESS IN FITNESS

1. Begin Making Changes RIGHT NOW!

2. Make a decision and make a commitment

3. Establish Objectives

4. Create a Road Map

5. Have a good time!

Step 1: Begin Making Changes RIGHT NOW!

Making continuous, incremental progress over time is the key to achieving FITNESS SUCCESS. Implementing even minor changes, like the power of compounding interest, may result in a cumulative snowball effect that produces momentum, excitement, and results! There are certain, immediate adjustments you may make that will have a significant impact:

MOVE!

Although it may seem straightforward, it is remarkable how much potential exists in one little step. Parking at the far end of the lot; using the stairs instead of the elevator; chasing your youngsters around. Our bodies were designed for movement, and just moving more is a terrific way to begin your fitness regimen. Walking is a significantly underappreciated type of exercise, and dancing is, too!

GET SOME WATER

Various experts will give you different goal amounts, but a decent rule of thumb is to drink 8 glasses of water every day. It's a good idea to drink a glass of water 12 hours before and after meals. Substituting water for less healthful beverages (such as soda) can save calories and lower your consumption of artificial flavoring, coloring, and other additives. Increasing your water consumption can also help you lose weight.

EAT LESS OFTEN, BUT MORE OFTEN

According to studies, our bodies function more effectively when we spread our food intake out across five or six smaller meals each day, rather than the three bigger meals to which we've become used. And grandma's advice about eating your veggies was spot on! The majority of Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables daily. When you drink more water and eat more fruits and vegetables, it's surprisingly simple to reduce the number of your meals. 

KEEP A RECORD OF WHAT YOU EAT

Another simple yet effective idea! This is an excellent method to monitor your nutrition, whether you go "full in" and keep a journal of everything you eat or just attempt to perform a mental summary during the day. When you're getting ready to eat supper, for example, performing a short evaluation of what you've eaten so far that day can help you make informed menu selections.

STRETCH

Flexibility is an essential component of total fitness. A regular program of simple stretches may significantly enhance your mobility in a short amount of time. Remember that stretching motions should be moderate and progressive, rather than jerky or bouncing. Once you've implemented the above-mentioned easy lifestyle modifications, you'll begin to develop the positive momentum that will allow you to move aggressively toward your fitness objectives! 

Remember: It's not about making drastic changes: the truth is that you CAN NOT become fit in a single day. But you may make the decision TODAY to commit to little, continuous progress that will bring you back on track IMMEDIATELY.

Step 2: Make the decision to take better care of yourself.

You most likely know someone who has had health issues that may have been prevented if the individual had taken better care of himself or herself. How often have you promised yourself that you will start taking better care of yourself? 

But what exactly does it imply?

Ask almost anybody what it means to "take better care of yourself," and you'll almost certainly hear something along the lines of "get more exercise and eat carefully." Everyone seems to understand that exercise is beneficial to general health and wellbeing. It is a vital element of taking better care of oneself. We've all seen the studies on TV, in magazines, and on the internet: it's an undeniable reality that individuals of all ages and fitness levels may enjoy significant physical and psychological advantages from a regular exercise program. So, why are so many individuals ignoring the benefits of exercise when they KNOW it will enhance their health, looks, attitude, and general quality of life? The solution is straightforward. They haven't DECIDED TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEMSELVES YET.

You are already aware of several compelling reasons to begin a fitness regimen. You've most likely heard (or maybe used!) at least one of the most prevalent reasons for not starting a fitness program:

"I'm running out of time." (This is most likely the most common reason) "I won't feel at ease working out with a group of "hard-bodies." "It's too pricey." Let us BREAKTHROUGH these bogus excuses RIGHT NOW! "I'm running out of time." Many fit individuals are also quite busy, and vice versa. The truth is that individuals who DECIDE to create time MAKE TIME. It's difficult to envision many things in your life being more vital than your physical well-being, which allows you to appreciate all other parts of your life. 

"I won't be able to work out with a bunch of "hard-bodies.". " This is a simple one. DO NOT WORK OUT IN ANY HEALTH CLUB IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT! There are so many various places to work out that you'll be able to discover the appropriate one with a bit of research. See "Should I Join a Health Club?" for further information. "It's too pricey." A fitness program's cost may range from a multi-thousand dollar investment in home exercise equipment to a zero-cost program that involves walking, running, and/or calisthenics. If you opt to join a fitness club or hire a personal trainer, charges may be involved. However, there are several fitness clubs with varied pricing schemes. Make some price comparisons!

Take into account the following:

a) What is the ROI (return on investment) of a good fitness program? What is it worth to you to enhance your overall health and wellbeing, have more energy and stamina, and feel better? What is the long-term cost of not participating in a fitness program?

b) What exactly is "expensive"? A fitness club that costs $60 per month works out to around $14 each week. That's around $3 per exercise, or about what most people spend on coffee per day. 

c) Perhaps you are in a category that qualifies you for a discount at a nearby fitness club. Many clubs, for example, provide discounted memberships to seniors, workers of local businesses ("Corporate Memberships"), referral discounts, and so on. Again, doing a little research may be pretty beneficial!

It's just a question of making a choice to take better care of yourself, and this entails making a commitment to act. 

Remember: We use the term "commitment" for a purpose. "Commitment" is defined as "an agreement or vow to accomplish something in the future" by the dictionary. A promise is a commitment. We're talking about making a commitment to yourself to start taking better care of yourself. And nothing is more satisfying than keeping a promise! 

Step 3: Establish Your Fitness Objectives

Begin with YOUR own notion of fitness. What does it signify to you? It might be achieving and maintaining a healthier body weight. It may be as simple as reducing your blood pressure, growing lean muscle mass, or being able to walk a mile without feeling out of breath. Your objective may be to become in shape enough to carry your grandchild up the stairs. Bench-pressing 400 pounds or running a marathon are two examples for some. It makes no difference.

 Define your goals for a fitness program.

It may be beneficial to speak with individuals you know who are currently involved in the exercise or schedule an assessment meeting with a Personal Trainer/Fitness Specialist at a nearby health club. Make sure your objectives are attainable but don't be afraid to push yourself. Remember that exercise is only about one thing: feeling better!

So, while defining your objective, consider how achieving it will make you feel physically, psychologically, and emotionally. This will make the goal seem more "real" and provide you with a motivating tool to utilize throughout your fitness journey. Hard vs. soft objectives: Setting "hard" goals is really beneficial, as explicit and quantifiable as feasible. "Soft" objectives, on the other hand, are more hazy and broad. As an example... Soft Goal: I'd want to lose weight. (How will you determine success? What exactly does "in the form" mean?) 

 Measurable, Specific Goal: By June 30th, I aim to drop 10 pounds and improve my endurance such that I can jog two miles without stopping. Setting precise fitness objectives is also a fantastic motivation since you can measure your progress and see how far you've come.

Step 4: Create a Road Map

You've made the decision to make a genuine commitment to take action and begin taking better care of yourself. YOU'VE ALSO TAKEN THE NEXT IMPORTANT STEP IN DEFINING YOUR FITNESS GOALS. Those initial steps are sometimes the most challenging for many individuals. It's critical to recognize that developing a strategy is impossible without a genuine commitment (Step 2) and well-defined objectives (Step 3). That's like attempting to construct a home without a blueprint! However, after you've finished these critical stages, you're ready to create your road plan. Your fitness road plan must address the following THREE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS: What is my objective (where am I going?) What is my strategy (how will I get there?) How do I keep track of my progress (how do I know where I am now?)

You must create a road plan that answers these THREE BIG QUESTIONS. The road map should include:

• The actual exercise routines to be followed.
• Workout schedule.
• A method for assessing progress at specific intervals.

 The ideal strategy is to start with a high-level overview and then fill in specifics as you receive information. The following items should be included in the outline: the frequency of workouts (e.g., 4 times per week) a rough blend of flexibility, strength, and aerobic training (based on goals) genuine workout routines (*) points of inspection (e.g., weigh-ins every 3 weeks) The more detailed you are in this planning step, the BETTER your odds of success!

(*) There are several resources available to assist you in developing your workout routine. Workout programs may be found on the internet or in bookstores. OUR BEST ADVICE: SEEK HELP. Getting experienced help, whether from a fitness-minded buddy or a trained professional at a health club, may quickly develop a road map that incorporates enough diversity to ward against the potential monotony of a constant routine. Consider if you'd want to work out with someone. Some individuals find having a partner motivating; it may even "guilt" you into working out when you know your spouse is dependent on you. And, in most cases, two heads are better than one!

(*) There are several resources available to assist you in developing your workout routine. Workout programs may be found on the internet or in bookstores. OUR BEST ADVICE: SEEK HELP. Getting experienced help, whether from a fitness-minded buddy or a trained professional at a health club, may quickly develop a road map that incorporates enough diversity to ward against the potential monotony of a constant routine. Consider if you'd want to work out with someone. Some individuals find having a partner motivating; it may even "guilt" you into working out when you know your spouse is dependent on you. And, in most cases, two heads are better than one!

Step 5: Enjoy Yourself!

Above all, fitness is about FEELING GOOD! After you've created a workout plan, the most excellent way to succeed is to love the challenge. Our bodies DESIRE to be fit! And as you begin your program, you will experience the thrill that comes with getting started. Nothing motivates you more than knowing you've identified a goal, created an action plan, and are WORKING ON YOUR PLAN. Always keep the following in mind while you work on your strategy:

Have fun on the ride. Monitor your progress. Make new, challenging objectives for yourself. That final element is critical: you are not "done" after achieving your objectives. Fitness is a way of life, not a goal. So, when you do something, congratulate yourself and increase the bar! You'll discover that you look forward to exercising days, and even if you have to "push" yourself to work out, you'll be pleased you did. The most crucial factor in exercise achievement is having fun while doing it.

Remember: It's also vital to temper your excitement with some patience. You could skip a few workouts or get sidetracked for a week. Even the most ardent workout enthusiasts experience this. If and when you falter or your progress slows, consider how much long-term advantage you will get from your fitness regimen. And, even after a "failure," nothing beats going straight back on track. Recap You may get IMMEDIATE gains in your overall fitness by following the FIVE STEPS TO FITNESS SUCCESS, which will jump-start your path toward your fitness objectives. GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FITNESS PROGRAM.

Remember: THE FIVE STEPS TO SUCCESS IN FITNESS