If you are one of the many who made getting fit your New Year’s resolution (and subsequently broke said resolution two weeks later), this article is for you! Getting fit can seem like an impossible challenge, but once you start the habit, you’ll be wondering how you managed to live this long without exercise in your life. With this easy to follow guide, you’ll be on your way to reaching your exercise goals in no time.
Write Down Your Goals
Before even thinking about heading to sign up at a gym, think about why you want to get fit. Are you trying to lose weight? Did your doctor recommend it? Whatever the case may be, it’s important to set realistic goals– both short and long term- to start your fit journey. Once you come up with your goals, be sure to write them down and place them in a space that you will see everyday (above your bed, for example). This way you will have a visible and constant reminder for why you started, in order to push you on the days when your motivation is lacking.
Buy The Right Gear
You can’t feasibly (or safely) start running without a decent pair of running shoes. While you don’t have to spend tons of money on workout clothes, having a few basic items that you feel comfortable in will make getting fit that much more enjoyable and stress-free. Instead of worrying about how you look at the gym, you’ll be able to concentrate on your workout and achieving your goals.
Try A Fitness Class
Often times the most daunting part of going to the gym for the first time is doing it solo. Luckily, there are an infinite number of group classes available out there, both at specialty studios and regular gyms. Cross Fit, Yoga, Spinning, Barre… you name it there is a class for YOU. Not only will having an instructor help to motivate you throughout the structured classes, but you will be getting fit with a group of people that will make you feel a part of a community.
Create A Bumping Fit Playlist
There’s nothing worse than being on the treadmill with no music to distract you. Studies show listening to music while you workout can even enhance your physical performance by give you an energy boost. If you don’t feel like creating your own playlist, apps like Spotify have hundreds of great workout playlists already pre-made. Some playlists can even be created based on running tempo, so you can get fit at the pace you want.
Short and Sweet Does The Trick
Of all the crazy (false) myths that exist about getting fit, the biggest by far is that your workout has to be a 1-2 hour long sweat session to see results. In reality, a quick 15 minute HIIT (High Intensity Impact Training) workout can be just as impactful, if not more. HIIT workouts are the perfect alternative to squeeze exercise into a crammed workday, and the intense interval bursts help target fat and create toned muscle. You can say goodbye to the boring treadmill, and hello to the new you for good!
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