Deciding to exercise regularly can be a challenging commitment but also a great decision because you are investing in your health. It marks a phase where your life is about to experience a positive transformation. Your body is a temple therefore it deserves to be healthy and fit so here are some secrets to a successful workout:
It won’t be easy- Before starting, you need to condition your mind to embrace the discomfort in the early stages as your body tries to adapt. Your journey to fitness will cost you a lot habits, and carbonated drinks and junk food would have to go. Also don’t expect to see results within the first few weeks of exercising. Many people do, so they push their bodies to the limits causing premature fatigue. Take it one step at a time and set milestones.
Avoid monotony- People sometimes start working out and stick to one exercise like running on the treadmill. Your muscles eventually get used to this and soon, the exercise will have little or no effect. Working out in various ways is will train your muscles and prevent boredom.
Diet is important- To see the best of results you must get rid of processed and oily food, carbs and sugar. Eat more fruit, vegetables and lean protein to keep your metabolism going and your energy levels up. Protein shakes are great when taken after exercising as they help in muscle building and strengthening.
Make it a habit- Consistency is key because you are what you repeatedly do. If you keep working out daily, your body gets accustomed to it, and it becomes a part of you. It will also speed up results. It’s not magic, you need to cultivate a routine that works for you.
Drink a lot of water- About 70% of the human body is made up of water. All the organs of the body rely on water to carry out their various functions. Your body loses a lot of its fluid during exercise so rehydrating becomes essential. Water re-energises the body, speeds up the rate of digestion and helps to get rid of toxins.
Morning workouts rock- Morning routines are great because your body and mind are relaxed and refreshed. It is better for weight loss because it kick starts your metabolism early in the day. It also helps to reduce the possibility of obstacles. If you wait until evening before doing your exercise, there is a probability that you will be tired from the day’s activities, and will procrastinate.
There’s strength in numbers- Motivation from people who relate to your struggle will keep you going. You will draw strength from them which will increase your commitment to your workout routine. Follow their journeys, read encouraging articles and be inspired. In so doing, you will realise that you are not alone.
Set realistic goals- It’s not enough to just set goals, also ensure that they are realistic. Everyone is gifted in their own way and you don’t need to do exactly what another person did or is doing. You know how far your body can go so take it easy on yourself because if you push too hard, you will only have yourself to blame.
Let sound guide you- Music is therapeutic because it heals the soul and soothes the body. Audiobooks also help feed your mind. Try listening to music or audiobooks while exercising as it moves your focus away from the pain and sets it on the gain.
Invest in the right outfit: Workout clothes should be breathable and flexible. It should be less about fashion and more about comfort and fit. Having the right footwear for example, makes the difference between you feeling revitalised after your exercise or having aching toes.