Getting fit! Becoming the best version of you! FINALLY having a booty! It all sounds awesome, but it can also all sound terribly intimidating. There are a lot of steps in the process of meeting your fitness goals; and it’s not just about getting to the goal. It’s about a total lifestyle overhaul. You’re not just committing to going to the gym three days a week. You’re making a promise to yourself to make healthy decisions everyday.
But accomplishing all of this can actually be a lot easier than it sounds… depending on how committed you are to making a genuine change in your life. So, if you’re committed, read on!
It’s understandable that everyone has to start somewhere so if you’re a total beginner here are a few tricks to make getting fit a little less scary and a little more fun:
Accountability Buddy: You don’t have to go it alone. Grab your best friend, your sister, or a trainer to go through the journey with you, so you have a cheerleader when things get tough and to hold each other accountable. Having a plan is number one, therefore after every workout, as your stretching, strategize your next workout, when, where and what you will train. Having a trainer, on the other hand keeps you accountable, on your toes and encourages you to get that last rep in. Because they know you can do it, and will remind you that you know you can do it too.
Don’t Go Cold Turkey: Let’s talk about food. If you’re a beginner, we’re talking SUPER beginner, the food might be your biggest hurdle. Start simple by cutting out processed foods, like frozen dinners and/or dinners from a box. In place of those things add in whole foods, such as lean meat like chicken or fish, fresh in season veggies, and healthy carbs such as brown rice or sweet potatoes. Do that for a week or two and then cut out something else, like pop. You can do this by cutting in half what you normally drink for 3-4 days and then cutting that in half, and so on. The good news is, you don’t have to give up french fries, ice cream, or your favorite guilty pleasure all together right away, but saving those things for a free meal on the weekend will help you reach your goal much quicker.
Be Gentle With Yourself: Goal setting is a big part of understanding your fitness journey. You can use your goals to track progress and set benchmarks. However, it’s important to set goals that are realistic. People are different genetically and their bodies will respond to fitness as such. In other words, if you’re of Scandinavian descent don’t make your goal booty that of a naturally curvy Latina. Some things just aren’t physically possible. So, by all means reach for the stars but don’t reach for something impossible that may only leave you disappointed and feeling needlessly discouraged. Setting weekly goals to get to the gym and start eating clean whole foods are more attainable, and will help you reach your long term goals. Do what is needed on a daily basis will take the overwhelm out of the whole process.
Tracking/Journaling: It’s important to know what you have done and where you are going. Don’t be blind in the process and progress. Have a tracking journal or phone app where you can write what exercises you have done, what weight and how many reps. That way when you go the gym next time you will know your weights and reps and therefore, push yourself, and also pat yourself on the back as your strength and weight increases. Just has important is journaling your mood, water, sleep, calories, weight or body fat. Keeping track of all these things is higher knowledge when you have hit a plateau and you need to changes things up.
Make An Investment: Being healthy is an investment, in YOU! It’s a lifestyle investment. You are worth the investment so take the time needed to plan your meals, your workouts, stretching, etc. Love yourself enough to take the time to invest in your health so you don’t have to pay for it later in life. Meaning in medication, doctors, being sick, unable to play with grandchildren, and unable to be active with friends, etc.
These are some simple strategies to help get you started on your fitness journey. If you need more guidance and support you might consider signing up for the 12 week Fit & Ageless weight loss program.
