Get Back On Track - 10 Tips to Get You Started

by Andrew Simmons

How do you achieve long term results and reach your goals? Make exercise & good nutrition a habit!

It takes 30 days to create a habit; after a month your habits will take over and push you into your regime rather than you having to motivate yourself to get out of bed and get moving. Spring is here so what better time to create your new health and fitness habits and get yourself ready for Summer.

Here are 10 tips to help you on your way:

1. Set Compelling Goals
Confidence and self belief brings results. Setting yourself fitness goals each week will help you gain confidence as you achieve them. Aim for a 30 minute brisk walk every day – and if you can, add 2 resistance training sessions each week. The most important thing is to get moving.

2. Plan
Write your exercise time down as an appointment in your diary, Outlook Calendar or put it into your mobile phone. Make it a rule that you can’t cancel that appointment, your health is too important! Record your training plan in your diary, it will keep you motivated and help you to stay on track.

3. Read Your Goals & Training Plan Regularly
Keep them in a place that is easy to see to remind yourself of what it is you intend to achieve.

4. Give your pantry and fridge an overhaul
Good nutrition is one of the most important parts of better health…..so stock your pantry with nutritious and healthy food to ensure that you eat well throughout the day. Plan your meals in advance and when you are at work or away from home take your food with you if you can. It is important that you:
- Eat 5-6 small meals a day
- Reduce your fat intake – cut out junk food, biscuits, cakes, butter.
- Increase your intake of fibrous fruit and vegies

5. Exercise First Thing in the Morning
After a tough day at work, exercising is often the last thing you feel like doing. Exercise first thing in the morning, you will feel energized for the day and never feel guilty for missing out.

6. Surround Yourself With Others who have Good Exercise Habits Already
You will be lifted by their energy and enthusiasm.

7. Get The Family Involved
Jump up from the couch and take your kids to the park... who remembers the fun you had as kids playing simple games like ‘Statues’, ‘Tag’ and ‘Stuck in the Mud’. Why not sign up your family for a local fitness event and share in the excitement of competing together.

8. Clean Out Your Wardrobe
Don’t hold onto a bunch of clothes you are keeping ‘just in case’ you need these bigger sizes again. Streamline your wardrobe and keep the essential items. Set a goal to replace one out-of-date or oversized clothing item when your body shape starts changing.

9. Have Fun
Where’s your childlike spirit? Remember ‘playlunch’ and ‘playtime’. Make your workouts, ‘playtime’ and you’ve got it made – it’s all in your attitude. Don’t give up on yourself. It is never too late to be the healthy person you might have been and deserve to be now.

10. Just show up
Keep your exercise commitments whether it’s a run at the park with a friend, a session with your personal trainer or a group exercise session. Once you’re there, it’s hard to say no. 98% of life is showing up.