If you are feeling out of shape and want to improve your fitness levels, don’t dive straight in. There are a few things you need to do beforehand that will help you achieve your goals and give you the best shot of pushing yourself further. In today’s guide, we’re going to take a look at each of them, and explain why they are so important. Let’s get started right away.
Assess your diet
Feeling a little tubby around the midriff? If so, don’t think that exercise alone is going to help. Let’s take a look at a simple example to explain what we mean. A hard, frantic bout of exercise is probably only going to burn off around 250-300 calories. While that sounds impressive, it’s only enough to counter a cheese sandwich. You have to work out how many calories you consume each day, and look to run at a deficit – it’s the only way to lose weight. Furthermore, you should learn about nutrition, to make sure that you are eating the right kind of food. Take a look at this guide for more details.
Set small goals
Big goals do more harm than good when it comes to getting fit. Let’s say that you want to lose twenty pounds or so – after a few weeks of hard work, you won’t be anywhere near that. It’s why so many people quit – they think they aren’t making any progress. So, set better goals and use baby steps instead.
Doctors recommend that a safe way to lose weight is to shed around 2-3 lbs a week – any more, and you could be doing more harm than good.
Health check
It’s vital that you see your doctor t make sure you are safe to begin strenuous exercise. They will check your blood pressure and general health, as well as look at any old injuries you have. While getting fit can give your body a boost, it can also exacerbate injuries. So, for example, if you have a bad back, see a chiropractor for advice and check that your workouts will be OK. Knees are another significant issue, and a severe injury could blow your chances of exercising before you get started.
Prepare your mind
Make sure that you prepare for your new fitness regime. You’ll need to find an hour every day from somewhere, so adjust your schedule to suit. You should also go through your kitchen cupboards and remove all temptations that will tempt you. Replace them all with healthier alternatives. Finally, prepare mentally, too. It can be a long old slog on the road to fitness, and being ready for this massive lifestyle change can do a surprising amount of good.
Focus on your motivations
The last point is just as important as the others. There will be times when you suffer from motivation problems on the road to full fitness. It will seem like you aren’t making any progress at all. So, it’s a good idea to think of why you want to get fit. Perhaps you wish to get in shape for a holiday or desire to fit into an old pair of jeans. Have these motivations in mind at all times, and they will help you through the rough times.
