Fitness In Four Fabulous Steps

Now is the time to become fit, but how do you get started? Most people have no idea where to begin, but this article will help you figure it out. The steps below will guide you through what it takes to create a fitness plan you can stick to, taking you to your goals and beyond.

Create a plan which details what you will do every day. The plan should encompass today, tomorrow, next week, next month and into the future. Start with small changes you can dedicate yourself to completing, such as switching up your diet and getting in some exercise. For example, begin by forgoing the elevator at work and taking the stairs. Promise to take a walk each day at lunch for at least 15 minutes. Start taking your lunch to work and only treating yourself to eating out on Fridays. Once you are completing these goals easily, begin to add harder tasks, such as going to the gym three times a week, quitting pop or potato chips, or joining a local sports league.

If you do plan to join a gym, be sure to check out their schedule before you sign up. You want to get a membership at a venue which allows you to work out as you wish, when you wish. If you love the treadmill but come to find out it is reserved for a class when you want to work out, unless you join the class, you may be out of luck. First, figure out when you will be able to go to the gym, and then cross-check that information against the gym's current schedule. If it works, go for it! If not, check out other gyms in the area.

As you clean up your diet, small substitutions can really help. For example, instead of using white sugar, begin to use honey instead. It seems to impact blood glucose levels less, but it still tastes great. You can substitute it in the same amounts as sugar is called for, so 1/2 cup of sugar can be replaced by 1/2 cup of honey. If using it in baking, reduce any liquids in the recipe by about 1/4 teaspoon per 1/2 cup of honey to balance out the wetness of the dough. There are many other substitutions available, such as skim milk instead of cream, no-fat yogurt instead of full fat, or low fat mayonnaise instead of the fuller fat version.

Try to drink water instead of pop or juice. Those drinks are full of sugar, or high fructose corn syrup, and will only leave you sick and fat. Water is the healthiest thing you can drink, so try to get at least six glasses per day.

As long as you complete the steps in this article, fitness will be on the horizon for you. All it takes is a little bit of effort, some determination and the motivation to keep you going through the hard times. This article is the beginning of a new life, so take hold of it and find success.