Tips To Keep Your Fitness Goals Going
As we wrap up National Fitness Month, I wanted to give you MY tips on how to keep a fitness plan on track! Making fitness a natural part of your day-to-day lifestyle means reaping all the benefits that working out can bring:
- More stamina and energy
- A leaner, more fit body
- A healthier heart
- A stable, healthy weight
- Better balance and muscle strength
- A beautiful glow
- Improved sleep
And more! The benefits of exercise far outweigh NOT exercising…so let’s make sure you stick with it! My tips for making exercise part of your daily life include:
Schedule it - and then do it. Determine what time of day is best for you to work out, then mark that time on your calendar…then DO IT! Lay out your workout clothes the night before, schedule a workout with someone else to stay accountable, turn off your phone so you have no distractions…whatever it takes, make exercise part of your daily life. I like to put my workouts on a calendar and give myself a gold star - especially if I am trying a new workout, or took a break from exercise. It’s a fun reminder that I did it!
If you are short on time, break it up. Remember that ANY exercise is better than NO exercise. Only have five minutes? Do a series of strength exercises using your body weight, or do jumping jacks or crunches. Have 10 minutes? Try a fun 10-minute workout! Then repeat this a few more times during the day and you will have hit your 30-45 minutes of recommended daily exercise!
Make it work for YOU. I always say the best workouts are the ones you enjoy doing. Yes, it’s good to mix it up and try new things, but ultimately you are more likely to exercise consistently if you enjoy what you are doing! A workout you enjoy is key, so if you are an energetic person, try a dance workout or a new class. If you prefer to work out solo, do Pilates or go for a hike or a run. If you prefer gentler workouts, yoga is for you! Trying to lose weight? Do a mix of cardio and strength training. Whatever works, do it…and add a nice walk to the mix and you will have a workout plan you will stick with!
Track your accomplishments. Like a gold star on a calendar, marking down when you meet your goal is key to staying motivated. If you are on a weight-loss plan, mark your pounds lost. Trying to firm up? Write down the inches you have shed. Trying to get to a certain amount of miles walked or weights lifted? Track that! Then give yourself a reward when you hit your goals. I love a mani/pedi, a new workout top, or some fresh flowers - all gifts to remind yourself you are WORTH IT!!
I hope these tips help you stay on a fitness path to a healthier, more vibrant YOU!
Let’s live EVER BETTER™, together!
Denise