I've only really briefly mentioned on my blog before that I'm pretty into my exercise and fitness. Chosing to lead a healthier, fitter lifestyle is a commitment though and its often why so many find it a challenge. We all lead busy lives and its very easy to simply brush the thought of exercise off unless you know how to incorporate it into your life in a way that benefits you. Going to the gym has become a part of my life that I genuinely enjoy so it barely even seems like a commitment to me anymore. That doesn't mean to say that I don't have phases where I'm not so motivated, although for the last four years I've stuck to it and haven't given up with it.
However I wasn't always like this, infact before 2010 I would have gone out my way to avoid exercise in any shape or form. But then one day something just clicked and I concsiously took steps towards committing myself to a healthier, fitter lifestyle and I haven't looked back once since. So I thought I would share with you some tips on how to commit to fitness.
* Before I start I want to make a very quick disclaimer this is by no means professional advice, its just things that helped and worked for me *
Do it for yourself:
The first, and possibly most important factor of all when it comes to fitness is that you've got to do it for yourself. Not because someone hinted that your shirt was looking a bit tight. Not because your best friend just started doing it. You have to concsiously make the choice to start a healthier lifestyle for you. Make this decision based upon you. At the end of the day being healthier and getting fitter are things that directly effect your body and your life, so why do it for anyone else but yourself? To be successful in committing to fitness you should do it because you want to do it. I think that once you learn to do it for yourself everything else falls naturally into place, but that doesn't mean to say that you don't have to work for it.
Find something you enjoy:
The next, equally important thing that will help you to commit to fitness is to find something you really enjoy. If you like doing it then you're more likely to keep up with it. For beginners, finding something you enjoy can be a bit trial and error for a while until you discover what is best for you. I also believe that its important to continually mix things up, and try new things all the time whether you're a beginner or not because with fitness there is always something else to have a go at. Plus if you mix things up slightly you've got less chance of becoming bored - keep your mind and body guessing from time to time. I personally love classes as there is so much to chose from and you always work hard in a class. But whether its running, going to the gym, taking classes, swimming - once you find your thing you will eventually fall into a routine. And this leads me onto the next point.
Get into a routine:
Try and think about when is the best time for you to exercise and make it a routine. Are you naturally an early riser? Go in the mornings. Maybe you work during the day? Get an evening gym membership. Make things easy for yourself and plan it around your life in a way that you know you will get round to doing it. Perhaps if you prefer exercising in the morning, set your clothes aside the night before or similarly if you work during the day make sure you pack your gym bag so that you've got no excuse not to exercise once you're finished. By doing this and making fitness a part of your daily routine it will just become second nature and something you barely have to think about.
Find inspiration:
Another universally important thing when it comes to fitness is to get inspired. If you're a beginner or if you've been exercising for years its never a bad idea to be inspired. Finding inspiration to exercise or become fitter is super motivating and its easier than you would think - hit up YouTube, read some healthy lifestyle blogs, find fitness communities through Instargram hashtags. Other ways that you can get inspired is by downloading new playlists if you workout to your own music - add songs that are going to get you pumped and motivated. I also feel quite inspired if I buy new gym clothes to get down to the gym and work a sweat up.
Set yourself regular goals:
To keep yourself fully commited to fitness its good to set yourself regular goals. Goals and targets are a great way of having something to work towards and aim for. However I think that its important to keep them realistic - don't set yourself up to fail. These goals don't have to be earth shatteringly challenging, even if its to give yourself a goal of exercising 'x' amount of times that week, so long as you're working towards something. Plus to help you achieve your goals you can track your progress: jot down how many times you worked out that week, or if you did a new personal best in something and maybe if you're brave enough take pictures of an area your body that you want to tone up and then look back on them in 6 weeks time. You'll be surprised at what you can achieve when you really set your mind to it.
Keep a positive attitude:
Lastly, I think that a positive attitude goes a long way when it comes to fitness in general. If you're a beginner, go easy on yourself and don't be frustrated if you don't get the results you wanted straight away. Its also important to keep a positive attitude even when you're not a beginner, in time you will learn your own limits, you will also learn how far you can push those limits and gradually become better. Don't give up if you have a crappy workout, pat yourself on the back for giving it a go and come back stronger and more determined next time. A little belief in yourself goes a long way.
How do you stay commited to living a healthier lifestyle?
