Last Updated on June 14, 2022 by Lori Geurin
For most of us, there is a breaking point, a lightbulb moment. A moment when we decide the way we are living isn’t good for us. We want to change, make something better of ourselves, feel better as a result. When we go through this transformative experience, it can feel extremely exciting as we contemplate all the positives that will come as a result.
However, there’s a downside to this excitement, as you delight in contemplating how different your life will be when you embark on a lifestyle change. This applies whether you’re planning to improve your personal fitness, or experimenting with eating plans or intermittent fasting.
Before you begin on your road to health or fitness improvement, there are four essential things you need to do and keep in mind — so you have the very best chance of success.
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4 Essentials Before You Start A Health Or Fitness Program
1. Arm Yourself With Information
If health and diet is your target, then you need to understand any changes you’re going to make. Don’t ever just read about a new food and diet from one source; you need multiple accounts, preferably with scientific and nutritional backing. It also helps to subscribe to forums for those who eat the way you intend to, so you can learn the real-user experience of what an eating plan is like.
If fitness is your target, you can watch YouTube videos from fitness gurus, do a little reading, and take time to learn about the different kinds of exercise. The more you know about what you’re doing and why the easier it will be to stick to your plan.
2. Speak To A Trained Professional
For health or weight loss efforts, you’ll want to talk to your doctor. You don’t have to solicit their advice on what to do, but consider asking their opinion about your plans. There might be legitimate reasons why you shouldn’t embark on a certain eating plan that is related to your personal health. For example, diabetics should avoid a diet that’s high in fruit.
For fitness goals, a single session with a personal trainer will help you find the right path. When you know you’re on the right track, you can continue on your own.
3. Start Slowly
When you first come to plan a fitness regimen, you can be so excited to see your health and fitness improve that you dive straight into a difficult and rigorous plan. This is understandable, but it’s also a surefire way to injure yourself — which could cause you to lose your enthusiasm quickly. Always start gently and build up the intensity as your fitness and stamina improve.
4. Strategize For Upcoming Events
Do you have a holiday coming up? A stressful time at work? A move? If the answer to these — or any other significant life events — is “yes”, then think how you’re going to navigate your new fitness plans around such events.
Strategize for the near future so you don’t have to drop your routine for a few weeks. It’s far easier to work around than have to start right back at the beginning again.
Using the 4 strategies above before you start a health or fitness program will help you begin this exciting change to your life with the greatest chance of success.
What tips would you add when starting a new health or fitness program? What helps you stay on track?
Leave your comments below in the comment section. Your opinion matters to me!
If you enjoyed this, you’ll want to check out:
- 18 Ways To Lose Weight Faster: Proven Weight Loss Tips
- 20 Reasons To Try A Kettlebell Workout
- Setting Health And Fitness Goals And Sticking With Them
- Quick Tips For Intermittent Fasting Like A Rockstar
I’m trying to arrange a proper job in preparation for my workout plan. I’m very difficult because of that. Sometimes aware of the health but no time.
This is a common struggle. It’s great that you’re trying to plan time to workout.
I am trying to slowly find a new routine that involves hitting the gym! With it getting dark so early now, it is hard to find that motivation!
It is an adjustment, isn’t it? Motivation is more challenging for me in the colder (and darker) months. I despise being cold so I do my workouts indoors at home this time of year. Exercise always raises my temperature and makes me feel better all around so I remind myself of this on the days when I’m feeling unmotivated.
I need all the advise I can take on this topic. I always start and then stop before seeing any results.
I get it…Many people have this same struggle. Thanks!
Love this post. It is really hard to get and stay fit these days. I really appreciate the tips.
Thanks so much, Shannon! I hope it helps.