Let’s talk about fitness. Where do I start?
No matter your fitness level, starting out slow and steady is always key. Setting a smaller goal that is 100% attainable 100% of the time is better than setting a larger goal that you hit 50% of the time. If you set out to be just 1% better every day, by the end of one year you will have become 365% better than you were when you started.
Exercise
- Consistency is KEY. If you have a goal to exercise 30 minutes a day, but haven’t been doing anything, then start with 10 minutes a day and go up from there at YOUR OWN PACE.
- Be KIND to yourself. When you first begin, or even re-start, it may feel uncomfortable. Remember, even the fittest person in the gym had a day one at some point. Keep going. You CAN do this.
- WARM-UPS are your superpower. Warming up helps get the blood flowing in the body to help the muscles move easier and allows more flexibility for the muscles, bones and joints to function properly. This is your NUMBER ONE defense in preventing any potential injury or unnecessary stress to the body.
- Exercise with a FRIEND. Not only will this help you feel less intimidated, but will also help keep you motivated and accountable. You will be less likely to skip your workout if you know you have a friend waiting on you.
Drink More Water
DID YOU KNOW that our bodies are made up of 60% water? When following a meal and exercise program, water is ESSENTIAL for digestion, weight loss and muscle growth. The goal is to drink our body’s weight in water. If you can get a gallon of water in a day…you are a rock star … but WORK UP TO IT!
Establish Healthy Sleeping Habits
Rest and Re-set. Healthy sleeping habits are just as important as regular exercise. In fact, you can’t have one without the other. Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed at a regular time each day and practice good habits to get better sleep. Sleep restores both your mind and body. It’s okay to add ‘do nothing’ to your to-do list!
By April M. Smith, FITT 4Life Ministries