Hitting Reset On Your Fitness Journey
By Lucy Locket Loves in All,Challenges,EtchRock,Training
Everyday I receive tweets, comments and private messages from people who want to start their fitness journey but have no idea how to start. The most common challenge that people come to me daily on social media with is how they can incorporate fitness into their everyday working lives. They know that they have to start moving and set some goals do to get in shape but they really don’t know where to begin. It can be discouraging because of the amount of information both online and offline that can sometimes contradict itself and leave you wondering “Where do I even start to begin?”
Our local supermarkets now have so many food choices that leave us an easy option just to pick up a quick processed meal without actually asking ourselves, what actually is that ingredient? Many of us don’t even think about calories or that we could be eating almost a days worth of calories in one meal and then it becomes really easy to pack on the extra pounds. Generally our day-to-day jobs are much less physical than they where 100 years ago leading us to have more sedentary life styles leading us to be a nation that is a lot heavier than we used to be.
So where do we begin? Or is the question: How do we begin?
Make the Choice to Start Exercising and Eating Right
Making the decision to do something provides commitment yourself, invest in yourself, after all you will then only have yourself to thank. Once you have decided that you need to change your behaviour you create a bazillion new possibilities. When you make a statement to yourself such as “I need to get in shape”, it means something you are creating positive wave lengths in your brain to start action. Ask yourself questions in your mind such as: When can I work out today? What exercises do I need to do today? What foods should I eat today? Make your self think about the commitment you just made. Only then you can let go of the past and take steps to move forward.
Start choosing the healthy option!
Write Down What You Do
You need a reference that is realistic towards your weekly activity. Write down everything you do during the week. This should include work hours, commuting hours, nights spent with your spouse, your child’s activities and anything else you can think of that you do. You should also include what you do on weekends. You should make a list for each day of the week. Here’s why…..
Some people set lofty goals like working out for 2 hours a day. This can be due to an old saying, “More is Better”. However, this is not the case. Knowing your schedule will help you set realistic goals and help you find a few hours a week to start exercising. You’ll have a visual perspective on what you can and can’t do with your routine.
Research and Get Information
Most people do not have enough information before they start a work out program. So how do we get the information we need? The good news is we live in the information age. Take advantage of your favourite search engine and learn a little bit about fitness and nutrition. However, do not go overboard and lose focus. Find a source of information you like and take notes. Find the simplest and easiest workouts and nutrition tips. Don’t over load yourself with information.
I am always happy to take any questions, I was overweight and hated exercise only 18 months ago. I have been in your position and I know it can be overwhelming and daunting but if I can do it, so can you.
If you have the money, hire a personal trainer for a few sessions to help you get started. Hiring a personal trainer is a great way to get started because you have made a commitment to meet someone to workout. Your goal is to have the trainer show you the basics on exercise and eating healthier. It may also be safer to learn how to perform the exercises (especially if you have not exercised for a while). From May onwards I myself will be offering online training programs as well as group and one to one sessions. If these might interest you, message me today.
Create a Simple Plan and Set Realistic Goals
Keep it Simple! Following a simple plan while on a hectic schedule is much easier than following an elaborate plan. You should have a plan of which days you want to work out and one goal to change your eating habits for the next few weeks. For example, “I will work out for a half an hour for 3 days this week. I will eat a little less each meal.” Simple is success.
Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance!
Execute Your Plan
Now that you have a plan, all you need to do is follow it. This is another big step. You should look at your plan every day upon waking. You need be mentally prepared for the great day ahead of you. Having your daily schedule in hand will help you achieve your goals for the day. When you complete your workout for the day, highlight it or cross it off your list. It will show you that you accomplished something for yourself. No matter what you must execute. This will be the hardest (and most rewarding) step.
I hope these things help you get started on a new life of physical fitness. Life is filled with making decisions, knowing your commitments, getting information, planning and execution. Try these approaches for yourself and you will see that having your own workout and nutrition program is not as far-fetched or complicated as you think.
Lucy is a fitness and health blogger that can be found at Www.lucylocketloves.com
You can also reach Lucy on her Twitter, Facebook or Instagram if you have any questions!
Visit EtchRock.com to get started and find your next challenge!
Team Etchrock
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