The right approach makes fitness easy

Have you ever found yourself staring at someone who is in shape and thinking how lucky they are? During such moments, it might help to remember that being fit has nothing to do with luck, and has more to do with determination and hard work.

Many people seek to remain fit and improve their health but have a difficult time maintaining a regimen that works for them. Adopting a fitness programme to change your lifestyle can be difficult, but it could be the best decision that you ever make. Never forget that getting in shape is an individual experience, depending on your age, preferences, lifestyle and other factors. For instance, a mum with two kids may have very different goals from a hiker or athlete. But, at its heart, getting in shape simply means working your body hard and being more active. That way your body grows stronger, getting you in better shape than you were before.

It is extremely important to understand that there is a path and a process to achieving your goals. Following simple steps will help you start a programme that works for you while being easy to continue, even when you feel least inclined to make it to the gym.

Motivation

How do I start?

Taking the personal decision to begin exercise is the first step. Fitness requires time and effort. Therefore, it needs to become a priority in your life.

This will involve making some changes to your lifestyle. First of all, you need to get rid of all limiting habits. Developing new habits is a gradual process; so, it is crucial that you are not hard on yourself. Believe in yourself and the goals that you have set — you are bound to see the results in good time.

Do not forget that the transformation into a fit and healthy individual will not happen overnight. A gradual change in lifestyle will make all the difference and you will soon uncover the new and fitter you.

Within the first ten days, you will experience more energy, feel better rested and enjoy higher self-esteem. Within the first 12 weeks you will see noticeable changes such as better fitting clothes, a confidence boost, positive reaction from friends and greater energy levels. Following this, you will enter a phase that will allow you to maintain the results thus achieved, lower your blood pressure, bring down your heart rate, improve cholesterol count as well as lung efficiency. Soon enough, you will discover a new you!

Setting Goals

What are the right goals?

It is important to set realistic goals. They should be achievable — applying a step-by-step approach. Too often we try to do too much too quickly; we want to run, lift weights, eat healthy as well as cut out foods such as candy and soft drinks from our diet. The problem with having these multiple goals is that it becomes difficult to focus on an exercise regime.

Therefore, try a series of measurable targets: run for ten minutes, do three sets of ten push-ups, attend a weekly weight training and cardio based group exercise class. It is important to stick to one goal for at least a month or two.

Where to exercise

The Gymnasium

No matter what your fitness goal is, for most individuals, joining the gym is an important first step and also a relatively hefty investment. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you sign up with the right gym. First of all, it is essential that the gym is conveniently located — probably on the way home from work. If it is too far from your home or office, you will be less motivated to become a regular. The gym must offer additional group exercise classes or sports facilities that can help complement your gym workout.

At home

With today’s busy lifestyle making time for the gym becomes a challenge. That is, however, not an excuse to stay away from workouts. There are a number of simple products available in the market that can help you keep fit at home. Try to avoid the ‘quick-fix’ products that promise you outrageous results with minimal effort. You are better off buying an exercise ball, which you can use for core work and weight training. You can also make your workouts more effective with a basic set of dumbbells and good, quality exercises. Even simple exercises such as abdomen crunches, lunges, spot-jogging are extremely beneficial when performed on a regular basis at home using just your body weight

Group exercise classes

Contrary to popular belief, group exercise classes offer a lot more than blaring music and rapid motions. More than just the physical benefits, these sessions can provide the crucial psychological support on the path to a healthier lifestyle and body, because exercising in a group is more fun than doing it alone. In addition, the vast selection of group exercises available nowadays offers something for everyone. With Futuro TUFF, Zumba, kickboxing and indoor cycling, you will never get bored and refit your body in no time.

Consult the experts

Trainers

Consulting a professional trainer is an important aspect to start and remain focused on your path to fitness. Apart from merely instructing you, they can help develop a suitable workout plan that is tailored to your specific goals and abilities. When exercises are not performed in the correct manner, they can cause severe injuries. Trainers can guide you to ensure that the exercises are done right, thus ensuring your safety and the maximum benefit from your workout. Whether it is dropping a couple of clothes sizes, toning up your arms, or flattening your stomach, a personal trainer can help you get there. Hiring a personal trainer is an important commitment in terms of time and finances; so it is important to get it right.

Consult your Physician

The human body has its limits. As such, it is important to consult with a physician to ensure that whatever workout you undertake suits you and is adapted to your fitness level to avoid bodily harm. Physicians can also assist in defining your goals and achieving them based on your strengths and limits.

(Nathan Brown is Group Fitness Manager, Fitness First Middle East).