Written by D’Lee Daleo & Jamie McCalman, Switch Fitness
The year is coming to an end and now is the time when many people start thinking about getting fit and living a healthier lifestyle. If you are one of those people, take a deep breath and think about your decision. You might be ready to make a commitment but who are you committing to and why?
The following are some tips to help make your decision to live fit and be happy, a long-lasting lifestyle choice.
1. Be honest and kind to yourself
If you are really honest with yourself, you know you have been putting this off for a long time and you may have tried and failed several times before. So why now, why again, and what do you need to do differently this time? Everyone has their own motivation to get fit and no matter what anyone tells you, any motivating factor that gets you started will work. The question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you want a long-term lifestyle change with long term benefits? Get fit to feel better and live longer, but more importantly get fit for you because you deserve it. Make a mental commitment to yourself and allow fitness to become one of the priorities in your life. You might not see results as fast as you want, you might get off track a little from time to time, and all of that is okay. What matters most is keeping the commitment you made to yourself. You are not going to get there overnight so be patient and allow yourself to enjoy the journey.
2. Set realistic, actionable goals
Getting fit or healthy is a great idea but it is not very specific. Set yourself up for success by choosing short term, actionable goals that you can track, build on and celebrate. Goals like reducing or eliminating fast food, working out or walking around the block two or three days a week are examples of short term, actionable goals that you can track and celebrate. You will be more inclined to keep the commitment to yourself if you reach your goals and celebrate your achievements.
One way for many people to achieve their goals is to socialize around healthy habits. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a social person, being around like minded people adds an element of accountability, motivation and fun.
3. Find your community and have fun
One way for many people to achieve their goals is to socialize around healthy habits. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a social person, being around like minded people adds an element of accountability, motivation and fun. Finding an inclusive accepting environment where you feel like a member of a community will make you comfortable and keep you coming back. Joining the right gym or studio with group classes can not only provide that sense of community and motivation, but also give you access to trained instructors that can safely and effectively guide you on your journey.
4. Mix it up
Variety might be the spice of life but when it comes to fitness it should be the main ingredient for several reasons.
· Varying your workout routine will keep you engaged and eliminate boredom which will improve your odds of sticking with it.
· Switching things up will keep your mind and body from adapting to your routine which will lower the odds of experiencing plateaus.
· Doing the same exercises over and over could lead to overuse and injury.
· Mixing it up is fun and if fitness can be fun, it will get done!
5. Maximize your time
Most of us have busy schedules with limited time to dedicate to fitness. If you’ve ever walked into a gym early in the morning or after work you know it isn’t easy to find an available piece of equipment. For some people, the best way to maximize their valuable workout time is to sign-up for a group class. With group classes, you can sign-up in advance so you know for sure that you have a space, you know you will get in and out on time and since the class is instructor led you know the work out will be challenging. Another hurdle for some might be trying to squeeze a workout in around kids. There aren’t many gyms or studios with child care options but there are a few and if child care is an issue for you, having that option is a big deal to consider when choosing where to spend your time and money.
6. Set the right expectations
Not everyone is going to uncover six pack abs or be able to run a marathon. Magazine covers and social media flaunt unrealistic images of genetically gifted people who spend their days working out, watching every little thing they put in their body, taking selfies at the perfect angle with the perfect lighting not to mention the airbrushing, filters and special effects. The fact is fit and healthy bodies come in many different shapes and sizes and it does not mean you have to completely eliminate the food and drink you love. Believe it or not you can be fit and healthy and enjoy all that life has to offer. Ignore the images you see unless you are looking in the mirror. Compare how you look and feel to you and only you.
It’s never too late to start, and there are a lot of ways to get the results you are looking for. Spend some time thinking about your motivation, your goals and how you are going to get there. Elk Grove has a lot to offer, take advantage of this great community we live in.
Switch Fitness - (916) 883-BFIT
9632 Emerald Oak Dr suite k, Elk Grove, CA
D’Lee Daleo
Switch Fitness Owner with a passion for life, family, friends and fitness. She's never met a stranger, loves the movie Elf and is living proof that fitness can be fun.
Jamie McCalman
Switch Fitness Owner and Mom to Braden, Kyla and Lea. Some Moms can juggle a lot, Jamie can literally juggle her three kids; yeah, she’s that strong.
This story first appeared in Ardent
for Life Holiday 2019 issue.