S
o you want to get in shape. Or just get consistent with your health and fitness.
That's great! Good for You!
Getting fit is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and well-being.
But let's be honest - starting a new fitness routine can be daunting. There are so many things to think about and keep track of…from which exercises to do… to when to do them… to what type of diet to follow.
But no worries - I’m here to help! In this blog post, we'll walk through 10 simple steps to creating a healthy fitness routine that you'll actually stick with.
Trust me, if you follow these tips, you'll be on your way to a fitter, healthier you in no time!
1. Set realistic goals.
I say this all the time! When it comes to getting fit, it's important to set goals for yourself that you can achieve. Trying to lose 50 pounds in a month is not going to happen. And if it did happen, I can assure you, it was done in way that will ultimately wreck your metabolism and your health. Why set yourself up for disappointment? Instead, focus on setting small, achievable goals that you can realistically reach. For example, aim to lose 5 pounds in the first month, and then reassess your goals from there. You’ll probably find you don’t need to lose 50 pounds!
2. Find an activity you enjoy.
Working out should be something you look forward to, not something you dread. So find an activity or sport that you actually enjoy doing. That way, you're more likely to stick with it in the long run. Don't like running? Then don’t do it. Try swimming or biking instead. Hate lifting weights? I may be biased, but give Pilates a try. The key is to find something that gets you moving and that you’re excited to do - your mind, body, and soul will thank you!
3. Make it convenient.
If your gym is a 30-minute drive from your house, you're far less likely to go regularly than if it's right down the street. If possible, choose a workout spot that's close to home or work—that way, there's no excuse not to go! Convenience is also important when it comes to the type of exercise you do. If you're short on time, HIIT workouts or quick circuits are a great option. And if you can't make it to the gym, there are plenty of at-home workouts you can do with minimal equipment. One of the reasons I love teaching on OnlinePilatesClasses.com is that our main workouts average 30 minutes in length, and you can do the Mat Classes anywhere you can lay down a mat…totally doable!!
4. Set a regular time!
Just like with any other appointment, you're more likely to stick to your workout if you set a regular time for it and put it in your calendar. That could mean working out first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or after work. Pick a time that works for you and make it happen! Set an alarm on your phone or computer to remind you when it's time to work out. And don't forget to schedule some "me" time after your workout to relax and enjoy the feeling of being healthy and fit!
5. Try creating a physical fitness prompt!
A what?? A physical fitness prompt is simply something that not only reminds you to get moving, but also makes it easier to do so. For example, if you'd like to start going for a walk after dinner, put your running shoes with socks by the front door. Or if you're doing an early morning Pilates session, layout your workout clothes before you go to bed. By having a visual reminder that makes your action easy, you'll be more likely to stick to your fitness goals.
6. Have a plan!
Have you ever gone to the gym without a plan and just kind of wandered around aimlessly, not really accomplishing anything? Or maybe you've been meaning to eat healthier but every time you go to the grocery store you just end up getting the same old junk food. Well, it's time to get your act together and actually make a plan! When it comes to working out, it's important to know what your goals are. Do you want to get stronger? More flexible? Have more endurance? Once you know what you want to accomplish, you can make a plan to help you get there. And trust me, it will be so much more satisfying than just aimlessly going through the motions. It’s why people use private fitness instructors! The same goes for eating healthy. If you want to make a change in your diet, it's important to plan ahead. Decide what meals you're going to make and shop for ingredients accordingly. Going out to eat? Most restaurants post their menus online. Take a look before you get there so you can make better choices. Having a plan makes everything easier and more enjoyable.
7. Set aside some daily "ME" time!
No matter how busy you are, it's important to set aside some time for yourself each day. This can be just a few minutes, but it might turn out to be your most important minutes. Working out isn't just about getting physically fit—it's also about taking care of yourself mentally and emotionally. Dedicate some time each day to celebrating YOU and every little step you’ve taken, and are about to take. Use that time to clear your head, relax, and focus on your goals. It's amazing how a few minutes of "me" time can make such a difference in sticking with your program
8. Find a partner (or two)!
Having someone to work out with makes exercising infinitely more enjoyable—not to mention, accountable! If possible, find a friend or family member who shares your fitness goals and plan some workouts together. According to a recent study, people who worked out with a friend or family member exercised more frequently and for longer periods of time than those who worked out alone. And the benefits of working out with a partner don’t stop there. In addition to being more likely to stick with your workout routine, you’re also more likely to see results. That’s because when you have someone to workout with, you tend to push yourself harder and try new things—both of which are essential for seeing results. So if you’re looking for a way to make exercising more enjoyable and effective, find a partner (or two) and get moving!
9. Invest in yourself!
It is one of the best things you can do. When it comes to working out, hiring a trainer can make a world of difference. Yes, trainers can be pricey, but you'll get faster results because a professional is guiding you in person and keeping you on track. You can also stretch your dollars by doing homework between sessions and leaving more time between sessions. Another way to invest in yourself is to buy new workout clothes or sneakers—whatever will make you feel good about working out! When you look good, you'll feel good—and when you feel good, working out becomes that much easier (and more fun).
10. Fuel your body right!
Eating healthy foods is essential for giving your body the energy it needs to exercise—but that doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself of all of life's joys. Balance is key, so indulge in moderation and enjoy the foods and drinks you love. Just don't go overboard. The important thing is to make sure you're getting the fuel your muscles need to change and grow. After all, a little indulgence never hurt anyone . As long as you're eating healthy most of the time, you can enjoy the occasional treat without guilt —you deserve it!
11. Get enough sleep!
This one is crucial! When you're tired, exercising is the last thing on your mind. Make sure you're getting enough rest each night so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever workout comes your way. Getting a good night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental health, and it's also important for maintaining a healthy weight. When you're well-rested, you have more energy to exercise, are more motivated to eat healthy foods, and you’re less prone to injury! So make sure you get plenty of shut-eye.
12. Be kind to yourself…Space & Grace!
Last but not least, remember that neither Rome, nor healthy bodies, were built in a day. A successful fitness routine takes time, patience, a bit o’ sweat and lots of tweaking. It’s ok if your first few attempts at a schedule don’t quite workout. Actually, its better than ok because now you know what’s not ideal for you! Give yourself permission to get into the swing of things and find your flow with a few missteps. Those insights will be your success.
The Bottom Line
I hope these 10 tips help you get on the right track to Healthy & Happy!
Remember, there is no one way to exercise or eat well—find what works best for you and stick with it! And if you ever need any extra motivation or support, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always here to chat about fitness, nutrition, and anything else that comes up in your journey to better health. If you use one or more of these tips, leave me a comment here or on
I’d love to hear how you made a fitness routine that’s working for you!
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