Want to get in shape? Here’s how to start!

Want to get in shape? Here's how to start!

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Getting in shape is a resolution or goal just about everyone has had at some point in their lives. With so much information on what to eat, drink, or do, it can get a bit overwhelming. So for those new to their fitness journey, here are some simple tips that can start you off on the right path.

Make a plan

Going to the gym is great, but do you know what you’ll do when you get there? What does “eating healthy” mean to you? No matter what steps you’re taking towards your goal, it’s always good to break it down and formulate a strong plan.

Set a goal

What’s your goal on this fitness journey? Do you have an idea of where you want to be in three months? Six months? A year? Longer? Setting short- and long-term goals gives you a finish line to work towards and can be the biggest motivator in moving forward.

Be realistic

You’re not going to get rock-hard abs overnight or be able to run a six-minute mile by the end of the month. Keeping your goals realistic and attainable will prevent you from getting discouraged. Fitness is a long-term solution, and realizing that will keep your mind focused on the end result.

Find something you enjoy

If you hate working out, you’re more likely to quickly give up on it, so find something you enjoy doing! Whether it be running through parks, lifting weights, or joining a recreational sports team, finding the workout routine that excites you most is key to making sure you never consider skipping a workout.

Find a distraction

The truth is, the monotony of doing cardio or lifting weights can get boring, so it’s good to find something to keep your mind busy while you work out. Think of going to the gym as a good time to listen to music, catch up on podcasts, or download a new audiobook to keep your mind working as hard as your body.

Learn proper form

If you’re going to pursue weightlifting, take a moment to research proper form and reduce the chances of injuring yourself. Not only is good form essential to keeping your body safe from harm, but it helps maximize the benefits and gains of the exercise.

Take it slow

The common adage when getting in shape is to always push yourself, but be careful not to push yourself too hard! Taking it slow will prevent you from burning out, getting injured, or exhausting yourself more than necessary. Remember, sometimes slow and steady wins the race.

Understand change won’t happen overnight

You wouldn’t be upset if one month into signing up for piano classes, you couldn’t flawlessly play Beethoven. So why are you upset that a month into trying to get in shape you aren’t perfectly fit? The fitness journey is a long one, with change happening slowly. It takes long-term dedication, but it’s worth the wait.

Eat healthy

It’s true when they say that abs are built in the kitchen, not the gym! It doesn’t matter how much you work out if you’re not getting the proper nutrition to support your fitness goals. Cut out unnecessary sugars and up your intake of protein and fibre to really keep your body fuelled and ready to build muscle.

Don’t starve yourself

Yes, it’s important to eat healthy, but always remember that eating healthy does NOT mean starving yourself! Eating too little will result in a lack of muscle growth and too much fatigue, meaning your workouts will suffer. Find the right balance in your meal plans to keep you fuelled throughout the day!

Sleep

Sleep is the best thing you can do for your body. It’s when muscles grow and when your body heals—in fact, there are lots of other physical and mental benefits to a good night’s rest. Getting a regular eight hours a night is possibly the best thing you can do for your body.

Drink lots of water

Drinking water is essential to good health! Even beyond using it to cut out sugary juices, soda, and alcohol, staying properly hydrated works to keep your metabolism and other essential bodily functions working at peak efficiency.

Mix up your routines

Mixing up your workout routines is a good way of ensuring that each muscle group is getting properly trained. Having a proper balance can help grow a strong core, and increase overall endurance. And remember, never skip leg day!

Don’t make excuses

It’s raining out. I had a long day. I’ll go longer tomorrow. Whatever your excuse is, it’s probably a bad one. Making too many excuses can get you out of the habit of working out, and before you know it you’ve fallen out of the routine you worked so hard to establish.

Realize it’s okay to fail

Sometimes you’ll miss your goals, or break your good habits… and that’s okay! Failure happens to even the best of us, and it’s a totally normal part of life. Don’t let your failures discourage you from growing further—take them as a lesson to improve on.

Make small lifestyle changes

While they may seem insignificant, every small change you make adds up! If you want to drink, have a gin and soda instead of a beer, order salad instead of fries, take the stairs instead of the elevator. These seemingly insignificant changes help put you on a path towards an all-around healthier lifestyle.

Have a home routine

Sometimes you won’t be able to get to the gym, so it’s important to have a home routine that you can sub in when needed. It could be as simple as running on the spot or doing sit-ups and squats while watching TV. Consider investing in adjustable dumbbells or resistance bands.

Something small is better than nothing

Can’t work out for an hour? What about 15 minutes? Unable to prepare a healthy meal? What about replacing your muffin with an apple? It’s important to remember that even small steps towards your goals are better than nothing. Try not to let a single day pass where you don’t make even the tiniest bit of progress towards your goals.

Don’t stop when you hit your goals!

It’s all too common for someone to reach their goals and then “reward themselves” by slipping back into their unhealthy lifestyle. Remember that getting in shape is a long-term change, so if you’ve reached your goals, think about what new challenges you could conquer next!

Don’t compare yourself to others

Everyone has a different body and a different circumstance, so never compare yourself or your progress to someone else. The great thing about a fitness journey is it’s completely unique and tailored to you, so focus on yourself and keep a positive mindset.