Make Fitness A Routine
Being fit and healthy is something everyone wants, but not everyone can achieve. Exercise is not easy and it is often unpleasant. This makes getting oneself motivated to work out rather difficult. However, if you have made the decision to get into shape and live a healthier lifestyle, there are some ways to get motivated and stay that way.
One of the easiest exercises you can do is also one of the healthiest. Simply walking a few minutes each day can greatly affect your fitness level, especially if you've been sedentary for quite some time. Walking exercises the muscles, raises the heart rate and respiration and burns calories. It's also fun, especially if you have a companion. A good goal is to work your way up to thirty minutes of brisk walking daily.
Many people overlook one of the world's best motivators, the good, old-fashioned bribe. Set goals for yourself each week and if you achieve them, give yourself a reward. What reward you choose depends on what you like. Some people choose a special meal or a glass of wine, while others choose a movie or a night out. Just make sure you meet your goal before giving yourself the reward.
A good way to head off the monotony of exercise is with company. Depending on the activity, it may be possible to chat while working out. If not, you and your partner can motivate each other and strive toward common goals. If you achieve those goals you now have someone with whom you can share the reward.
As important as exercise is, food is even more important. Most people's first concern should be a healthier diet. Get in the habit of eating lots of vegetables and lean meats. Try to cut down on processed foods and sugar. There's no need to live like a Spartan, but healthy eating is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and the most neglected part of fitness in the United States.
Keep yourself from falling into a rut by trying a variety of activities. Check out the programs offered at community centers. Dance classes are a good form of exercise that can break up the gym routine. Don't forger about hiking, swimming, bowling, tennis and other activities that don't feel like exercise.
If you are serious about getting healthy, exercise has to be a priority and not something you do when it's convenient. There's no need to train like an Olympian, but you must strive to do a little every day. It will be difficult in the beginning, but once you get used to the routine you won't even notice the effort.
No one is saying that getting into shape is easy. If it were, there wouldn't be so many unhealthy people walking around. But exercise is an example of something for which the rewards far outweigh the difficulties involved. Healthy fit people have more energy, are healthier, look better and live longer. If this sounds like the kind of person you want to be, make the commitment today to get started with a simple fitness routine and to eat a healthier diet.
