Getting up off of the couch and getting on a treadmill is often the last thing in the world that people want to do. With the push towards a healthier overall lifestyle, however, fitness has taken a front seat to overall health, and the push for a healthier life is more important (and more apparent) than ever.
With obesity levels rising annually, many people around the world are starting to take a first-hand assessment on their own health. Taking stock of the state of things may not be a pleasant experience, but an honest and realistic examination is the first key to overall success in the world of fitness.
When people think about being "in shape" or physically fit, they often think about endless repetitions in a gym, hours on a stationary bicycle or hours of continual walking on a treadmill. The good news is that exercise doesn't have to be boring. One of the biggest tricks to getting (and staying) fit is taking a fun approach to regular exercise. Instead of dreading the gym every day after a long shift at work, go for a walk in the park. Not only will it get you up and moving, but the fresh air and change of scenery can encourage regular outings and make a fitness plan a lot more enjoyable and therefore easier to adhere to.
There are lots of ways to exercise that don't involve staring at a sweaty reflection in a gym mirror. Get involved with a company sports team like a league baseball team that plays with similar companies in the area. Spend time at the park. Play paintball or laser tag with a group of friends. Go for a walk around the neighborhood - or around the apartment complex. Instead of driving five minutes away to pick up napkins at the corner store, walk there and back. The key to staying committed to an exercise routine is to make it something to look forward to at the end of a long, challenging day - not something to be dreaded or avoided at all costs.
Another key to full-body fitness is what kind of fuel the body digests. It's easy to reach for that bag of potato chips, and a lot of people find regular trips to the snack machine to be a relaxing mid-day break. Instead of snacking on greasy, processed foods, bring a bag of baby carrots or an apple to munch on throughout the day.
Deciding to take small steps to overall fitness is a lot easier to maintain than it is to make drastic changes all at once. While making huge changes all at once is a popular phenomenon - especially around the new year - the large majority of people end up falling off of the fitness wagon before they even have a chance to begin. Making gradual changes increases the likelihood of overall success, and reduces the pressure and the guilt that often comes as a result from falling short of an overall fitness goal.