5 Tips to a Successful Fitness Program

5 Tips to a Successful Fitness Program

Fitness can be fun and exciting, but for many of us, it is a tough routine to get into. First and far most it is due to not knowing "how" to start a fitness regime. We can train ourselves to do anything as long as we stay focused on our goals. It takes will power! Below are  5 tips I'd like to share for those who are starting from scratch.

1) Start Slow
The first thing to remember when embarking on a fitness routine for the first time is to start off gently. I realize that if you have set a particular weight loss or fitness goal, you might be eager to get going as fast as possible, but it is important to begin subtly like taking brisk walks a couple of times a week. That might not sound like much, but remember that you are trying to establish a regiment. You need slow encouragements, even if the encouragement are small and from yourself. The key is to find something you enjoy doing. Don't be afraid to experiment by trying out new things. For example, you try a dancing class, or take up roller skating. You don't necessarily need to spend hours in the gym. Make sure you eat well after any workout to help your muscles recover, and consider using specialist products like oxygen canisters (like those you can see here) to achieve the same goal.

2) Make a Plan
My next tip is to think ahead. Each week, you need to take a look at what your other plans or commitments are, and pinpoint when you will have time to exercise. Slot in the times to work out each week, depending on your level of fitness and how intense the activity you are doing is. For example, if you are quite unfit and have taken up running for the first time, it's probably best to go three times a week to give your muscles time to recover between sessions. Taking the time to fit those exercise times in will help eliminate the excuse that you are too busy to work out. Being organized is all it takes sometimes. Make a plan and stick to it unless it is absolutely necessary to make a change.

3) Improve Your Diet
If you are planning on shedding a few pounds, it is very likely you will need to change your diet - as well as do more exercise. Of course, the idea of swapping a juicy hamburger for a crisp salad is a bit of a turn-off. The harsh switch might not be taken so well by your body or the mental satisfaction. I suggest rather than attempting to cut out anything that could be considered unhealthy, aim to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals. Another easy way to gage your meals is to 'add color to every plate'. Eat leaner meats as opposed to fattier cuts. Be aware of the labels and always try to go for the less fat, reduce fat, zero fat anytime possible. You are making progress, don’t fret. If you need to lose some weight, you will probably need to reduce your portion sizes too.

4) Stick to a Routine
Routines are very important in our lives. We wake up at a certain time to go to work. Our bodies get adjusted to the time. Even on the weekends my body would wake up at the time that I normally do on the weekdays. Essentially, our bodies would react to exercise routines the same way. Imagine that you set a certain time to run in the mornings, or to do yoga in the evenings. Your body would crave this at the time you set for yourself. Soon enough you will be itching to exercise if you've ever missed it. To establish a routine it is said that you must stick to the new plan for at least two weeks straight. For example, I used to have a habit of making the indulgent Café Sua Da with condense milk. It has so much cholesterol, and fat - but it is delicious. So weaning myself off it wasn't easy, but I did. With all the habits I shook off, I stuck to it for two weeks. If I don’t succeed, then I would start again. The next time, instead of skipping every day, I skipped every other day. Until I am set on that schedule, only then I would push for another day and so on.

5) Don't Be Extreme
My final tip, which I mentioned briefly just a moment ago, is to avoid extremes. There are so many fad diets and challenging, one size fits all exercise plans out there, but I think it is best to aim for moderation and balance. After all, the more extreme options are not really sustainable in the long-term, which means you're more likely to give up and feel disappointed.

You can do it! 
• Just take it slow, exercise your will power,
• make a plan,
• improve your diet,
• stick to a routine,
• and remember don’t be too extreme.

  For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and those who humbles himself will be exalted. Forgive my failures and omissions and draw me closer to you.