Fitness carries different connotations depending upon whom you ask or talk to about it. We all know that it’s what is on the inside that counts, but that doesn’t mean that you should neglect your outsides. Take some time to improve your appearance and your health using the tips below.
Once you have created a fitness routine that you are comfortable with, mix it up a little. Some variety in your workout will help you take a renewed interest in your program. Even if you are targeting the same core areas, different exercises approach things in a new way. This will help you to avoid becoming bored with your program.
Your body needs sleep to repair itself. Not only does sleep help your body to heal, but the lack of sleep can cause the accumulation of cortisol, the stress hormone, to develop. Cortisol can negatively affect your gains by making you store more energy as fat and also causing physical strain on your body, like fatigue and headaches.
Train with a friend to add focus and dedication to your fitness plan. Friends can not only be supportive, but can also add a bit of competition if they’re on a more advanced fitness level than you. To really help, take it a step farther and plan meals around a diet plan that you share with your friend.
Participating in a 5k, 10k, or other event can be a great motivational goal. Often these events charge a registration fee–if you don’t commit, you’ll be wasting money! Once you’ve successfully completed the event, you’ll feel great about your accomplishment, and you’ll know that you’ve gotten a lot of exercise.
Set goals. Having something you’re working toward makes the exercise worthwhile. Whether you want to fit into a dress, run a marathon or look great at a reunion, setting goals helps you to see a light at the end of the exercise tunnel and helps you to focus on that goal.
You may have a distinct goal in your personal fitness journey. However, you should avoid obsessing over this goal. Ideally, fitness is a life-long habit, not a short-term fix. Your fitness program should be one that you personally find enjoyable so that you will not be tempted to abandon it. While there is such a thing as being “too fit,” there is no point in time, where you can begin ignoring your fitness entirely.
Practice “Four-Square Breathing” after your workout while stretching. Breath in for four seconds, then breath out for four seconds, and repeat for three minutes. “Four-Square Breathing” increases your lung capacity and reduces stress when done properly, which helps you relax after your workout, and get ready for the rest of your day.
It’s true that what’s on the inside of a person is important. That said, you still have a body that can always be refined. You can improve upon your body by you and your doctor coming up with a fitness routine that can help you become healthier. Hopefully, these tips gave you advice on how to do that.