We are all trying to shed some extra pounds, get more energy, and lead healthier lives. Even with these great intentions many of us can’t seem to follow through with whichever diet and exercise plan we have chosen. Why? There could be a variety of reasons. Here are a few tips to help you stick with your diet and exercise plan.
Tip #1: Be Realistic
So, you just watched a great fitness program promotion and you are excited. You order the DVD’s and food guide.
Once they arrive in the mail you try to pack in two times the amount of recommended exercise into each day and you completely cut carbs from your diet.What is wrong with this approach? Well, it is not sustainable. Not only will you end up stopping working out all together but you will become extremely hungry and binge by eating a whole pizza right before bed. This will result in weight gain, frustration, and deviation from your ultimate goal.
While being excited is a good thing you need to think of your workout program and eating habits as a new way of life. These things need to be something that you can maintain until you can no longer walk on your own and need a walker.
Workout programs are great because they break down when you need to work out, show you how to workout and tell you how long to workout. If you’re interested in great workout programs that not only give you a calendar to show when you should work out but also comes with an eating guide, then try some of beach boy’s programs. I personally use their fitness programs and I love them!
Tip #2: Pick Something That You Enjoy
Your workouts need to be something that you genuinely enjoy. Some people like swimming and swim laps to stay fit, while others may enjoy mountain biking or hiking. What kinds of activities would you enjoy or do you enjoy? Could you enjoy a dance fitness class? Maybe picking up a martial arts class would be fun?
If you think you would actually use it, a gym membership can be beneficial. The big gyms have tons of fun classes that are included when you join. They usually have yoga, dance, fitness, kickboxing, cycling and many others.
Chances are if you have fun while you are exercising you are more likely to keep exercising, be fit, and feel great!
Tip #3: If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try Try Again!
With all new goals and projects you may slip up and fall. If you fall don’t sit on the ground and beat yourself up about it, get up! No matter how many times you fall, just get back up again, learn from your mistake and find a way to prevent yourself from slipping up again.
Tip #4: Change Small Things
Some of us do great with a drastic change in diet and exercise while others do not. If you find that drastically changing your exercise plan does not seem to work try small steps. Start by promising yourself you will ride your bike once a week, and then after a month try for two days. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Participate in local charity walks/runs.
Changing things gradually wont get you into those skinny jeans tomorrow but they will get you into them. If you find that your drastic workout plan isn’t working, you may never get into those skinny jeans. So which is better, getting there eventually or not getting there at all?
Tip #5: Get a Workout Buddy
Having someone to be held accountable to is extremely effective. Plus, having a workout buddy can make workouts more fun so you will be more likely to do them. You also have the satisfaction of reporting to someone else how you are doing. Get into the skinny jeans together!!
These are great tips but, sometimes we just need an extra push to get from where we are to where we want to be. If this sounds like you, you may want to look into hiring a life coach. Life coaches are trained professionals that provide a kind of support that you can’t get anywhere else. If you would like to learn more about what life coaching is and how it could help you.