1. What are your goals or what are you trying to achieve?
This is sometime very hard to flesh out as most times we have many goals. Like I want to be able to run a gazillion miles but I also want a muscular body and be able to lift a ton of weight! Well... those two things may not go hand in hand at the same time so you have to pick one. Most people want to lose fat or get to a healthy weight. That can be done by running and can be assisted by lifting heavy weights. I told you this crap wasn't all easy, so you really have to figure out what your short and long time goals are.
2. What am I physically able to do?
So this one will help you with establishing your goal(s). I live on the 3rd floor of my apartment building and I would be so winded going up and down the stairs. So building my wind capacity was my first goal and I chose to do that by implementing as much cardio as I could. I started with walking, doing Zumba, using the step-mill, and then I started running. My first goal was to be able to run 1/4 of a mile without walking. Once I hit that goal I increased it to 1/2 mile, then 3/4 mile, then 1 mile, and so on. In less than a 5 months, I was running up to 10 miles without stopping!!! If I can do it, you totally can!!!
3. What bad habits can I ditch immediately?
Food is a double edged sword. You have to eat to be healthy and live, but if you struggle with weight, more times than not you probably have developed some not so helpful eating habits. What you put in you mouth can make or break your plans to truly get fit, therefore you have to make some decisions. For example, the very first thing I did was commit to STAYING THE HELL AWAY FROM FAST FOOD! I would not purchase anything from fast food places, including water. Seems extreme but sometimes you have to be to succeed. For those who have an affinity for fast food but want to get fit; you will have to stop the fast food. Sorry, I'm not sorry! Give up what is keeping you from reaching your goals!!! THERE IS NO WAY AROUND THIS! PERIOD.
4. Increase your water intake.
Most of us do not drink enough water each day and in order for your body and organs to function at an optimum level, you have to be well hydrated. For those of you just getting started, if you drink 1/2 of your body weight of water in ounces (weight 200lbs/drink 100oz) each day, you will be fine. Those who work out hard, you need to drink more! There are so many cool apps out there to help keep up with drinking the amount of water you need each day so there is no excuse. Oh, a helpful tip... Drink from a straw, it makes it go down easier (it may be a mental trick but it worked for me).
5. Make a pact with yourself or a friend who also needs to change their lifestyle.
There are reasons that most people want to get healthy. Either the doctor has warned them of their failing health or they want to be around to see their grand-kids grow up, or they just want to look good for the summer. Whatever your reason is, make sure that it's deep enough to keep yourself in check when you are tempted to deviate from your plan. I have a ton of reasons for getting and staying fit and I think of them often because, like I said; THIS ISHT IS NOT EASY! I know that in order for me to unleash my inner Wonder Woman, I have to continue shredding fat and building muscle. A doughnut is not going to help me achieve that and I will not go into Summer 2016 without a tank top and shorts on! BAMM!!! I have now redirected by thoughts and well on my way to reaching my goals. Hold yourself accountable. Or if you have a fit partner, hold each other accountable.
6. DO NOT MISS ONE DAY OF WORKING OUT OR ENGAGING IN SOME SORT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THAT GETS YOUR HEART RATE GOING FOR YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS!!!
You have to establish your new lifestyle and many who start making excuses as to why they can't workout or go to the gym will fall right back into those familiar bad ass habits (eating junk, laying around, doing nothing)! For at least the first 3 months, make getting up and getting to the gym or working out part of your daily rituals. Just like getting up and showering or brushing your teeth. In fact it's just as important! After the first month or two it will start to get easier and by your 90th day, it will be a breeze. If for some reason it's not, then commit for an additional 30 days or until it is.
Well, there you have it!!! My my 6 back to basic self -help tools. Again this stuff is not easy and you may have to revisit them often, I know I do. Especially after a cheat weekend or at a time in which you fall off the fit wagon. Isht happens!!! LoL!
Here are some helpful links to get you started and to help keep you motivated:
10 step guide to getting Fit:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/vm11.htm
Beginners Health and Fitness Guide
http://liamrosen.com/fitness.html
Fitness 101: The Absolute Beginners Guide To Exercise
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/fitness-beginners-guide
IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS THAT WILL HELP OTHERS GET STARTED AND STAY STARTED, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT!!! WE ARE ALL HERE TO HELP EACH OTHER!
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