FITNESS

GUIDELINES TO PHYSICAL FITNESS

By Meredith Young

TV infomercials and commercials may lead you to believe otherwise, but unfortunately, there is no one-time solution that can instantly and miraculously make you fit. Regardless of what any fitness model or celebrity endorsement of a “groundbreaking” exercise machine, diet, or supplementation program may imply, the truth is that getting in shape is hard work. You may be sure that the spokesperson didn’t achieve that body by using the “new, incredible de-fat-melter” for 60 seconds every day. Undoubtedly, he or she is in the midst of an intensive fitness regimen that features a healthy diet and loads of physical activity.

On the other hand, we think that everyone has what it takes to become physically fit. In order to kickstart your fitness program and start you on the road to success, this article will give you some strong, effective measures you can follow right now.

Start Working on Your Goals Today!

Getting in shape successfully requires a commitment to slow and steady progress. Implementing even modest changes can have a multiplicative snowball effect, much like the power of compound interest, which boosts motivation, energy, and output.

You may start seeing real improvements right away by making a few key adjustments:

Move

Even though it seems obvious, this one action can have a tremendous impact. Place your car at the far end of the parking lot, choose for the stairs instead of the elevator, and run behind with your grandchildren to get some exercise. Our bodies were made to move, so increasing your activity level is a fantastic first step toward a healthier lifestyle. The benefits of walking as exercise are often overlooked. It’s the same with dance.

Stay Hydrated

Stay Hydrated A glass half an hour before and after eating is recommended. Calories can be reduced and consumption of artificial flavoring, coloring, and other additives can be decreased by switching to water from less nutritious drinks (like soda). Adding more water to your diet is a simple way to control your hunger.

Cut Back on Portions and Increase Your Frequency of Meals

Five or six smaller meals per day, as opposed to the three larger meals we are accustomed to, has been found to improve our bodies’ efficiency. Even grandma was right when she insisted you eat your vegetables. There is a widespread lack of fruit and vegetable consumption amongst Americans. If you drink more water and eat more fruits and vegetables, you can easily reduce the portion sizes of your meals.

Watch What You Eat by Keeping a Food Journal

One more nuance that could not be more important! It’s a terrific method to keep track of what you eat, whether you choose to keep a written record or just attempt to perform mental recaps at certain points during the day. Reviewing what you’ve eaten throughout the day might help you make informed decisions about dinner, for instance.

Stretch

Possessing a high degree of flexibility is crucial for achieving optimal physical health. Performing even the most simple stretches every day can have a dramatic effect on your range of motion. Remember that stretching should be done slowly and gently, never bouncing or jerking.

Once you've implemented the aforementioned modifications to your daily routine, you'll gain the motivation to work harder toward your fitness objectives.