Fitness Tips that Actually Work

Living a healthy lifestyle is not just about going through the motions. Living a healthy lifestyle is easy, natural, and consistent. It’s so easy to fall into unhealthy habits, but knowing how to build that lifestyle is the first step. We are here to help you identify ways you can build a healthier lifestyle that fits your life.

Nutrition and Diet Management

Eat healthy.

I’m sure you’ve heard that before, but what does it mean? A healthy lifestyle starts with how you fuel your body, so it’s important to make sure you give your body what it needs to be at its best.

Keep your fridge stocked with healthy foods and snacks. Grocery stores often have fresh and whole foods stored on the perimeter of the store, and these are often going to be the healthiest options to bring home with you.

No need to eat plain chicken and rice! Mealtime is meant to fuel your body, but also satisfy your taste buds. Season your food with spices that you love. Making your meals enjoyable is a key to skipping the snacks later, because you satisfy your cravings the first time.

If you find yourself wanting a snack and you know you’ve eaten balanced meals, try sipping a glass of water. Dehydration can sometimes present as hunger. Make sure you are drinking enough to keep your body happy!

Make sure you are keeping your portions in check. Overeating during mealtimes can make you feel sluggish, but eating the right amount for you can revive your energy and boost your mood! And remember, carbs are NOT the enemy. Enjoy your bread and pasta but savor it.

Craving something sweet for dessert? Try some fruit! Peaches and cream or a banana with honey are delicious options that help you reach your daily serving of fruit with a little extra sweetness!

Remember, all food is fuel when eaten in moderation. Go get a coffee with friends or have a piece of cake on your birthday—it won’t ruin your diet.

Fitness Gear and Preparation

Getting into your workout can be a challenge when you aren’t prepared. We have some tips to help you feel prepared for your workout.

Whether you are running or lifting, it always helps to have a plan. If you’re running, plan your route and your pace or intervals. If you are lifting, decide which muscles you want to train and choose exercises based on that.

Be comfortable in what you wear, from your down to your shoes. Make sure you have enough support for your exercise in your shoes and get new ones when you need them.

Quick! Before you start make sure you set up a speaker or grab your headphones! Music motivates, so hit play on your favorite playlist and get moving.

When you’ve done your workout, make sure to rehydrate. Getting enough water in your body helps prevent some of the delayed onset muscle soreness.

Finally, you’ve gotten into a routine of working out. But don’t weigh yourself just yet! Are your goals weight-oriented? If not, skip the scale and find a different measurement to track. Track your PRs instead! If you need to weigh yourself, remember to do so in the morning before breakfast. Weigh-ins once a week are plenty to hold yourself accountable but remember that if you weigh yourself more often that weight fluctuates daily based on what you eat, drink, and do throughout the day!

Workout Consistency and Habits

Working out consistently is easy when you have the motivation, but for most of us motivation comes in waves. Here are some tricks to consistency and accountability.

Plan movement into your day. Whether you plan for an hour dedicated working out or plan to take the stairs, plan it out. Remember, something is better than nothing! Build your workout into your schedule by having a certain time each day that you move. Building this habit helps to build a healthy lifestyle.

Working out with a friend or joining a class is an excellent way to have more fun during your workout and hold each other accountable. You can share in your wins and push each other to reach new PRs.

It’s hard to celebrate wins when you don’t know what your goals are. Set SMART goals with clear and realistic expectations. And track it! Choose your favorite app or notebook and keep track of the stats that matter to you.