Getting in shape and staying healthy can feel as difficult as battling a grizzly! Especially if you are just getting started with your fitness adventure. You want to achieve your objectives, fit into your favorite pants again, and have the energy to keep up with your children but when you’re just getting started, the road ahead appears to be endless.

Here’s the good news: you can develop healthy habits and achieve your fitness objectives over time. You do not have to do everything at once or change your life overnight. Begin with the first step, then the next, and so on. Prepare yourself with the appropriate mindset, tools, and support. Soon, You’ll be on your way!

Here are some suggestions I’ve learnt over the years that have helped me live a better lifestyle and achieve my fitness goals:

Set specific, quantifiable goals.

I find it really helps to set concrete fitness goals like running a 5K in under 30 minutes someday. Quantifiable goals like this keep me focused and motivated to grow. I also split down larger ambitions into smaller, more doable tasks.

Plan ahead

I set out my fitness program for the week, including which days I’ll exercise, when, and what I intend to do. Planning ahead of time makes me much more likely to stick to a schedule rather to just winging my workouts. I aim for 4-5 workouts each week, alternating between cardio, weights, and yoga – whatever seems good that day!

Keep track of everything

I use a workout app to keep track of each and every workout, recording details like miles run, weight lifted, reps completed. Seeing all of that data is extremely motivating and holds me accountable. In addition, I weigh myself on a regular basis to track my progress.

Mix things up

For overall fitness, I make sure to include both cardio and weight training. I’ll do cardio a few times a week, either by jogging, bicycling, or swimming, depending on how I feel that day. I also lift weights a few times per week, with a rest day in between for recovery.

Fuel correctly

I strive to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and whole grains. Meal planning has been a game changer in ensuring that I have excellent, energizing snacks and meals on hand for my active lifestyle. But I never deprive myself!

Rest up

I’m learning to take rest and recuperation days where I merely stretch lightly and let my muscles relax. Getting enough rest has been critical for me to avoid burnout and damage from over training.

Get accountable

Having my sister join me for morning runs holds me accountable for getting out of bed to work out. Having a workout buddy makes it far more difficult to skip a sweat session. Friendly competition also helps!

Celebrate small wins.

Getting fit and healthy takes time and cannot be accomplished quickly. I’m learning to be patient with myself and enjoy even minor victories and milestones along the way. Like when I couldn’t even run a mile without stopping when I first started, and now I can run 3 miles without walking! Maintaining a positive attitude and consistency has been really crucial to me. I don’t let myself be discouraged if I reach a plateau or have a terrible workout now and then. I just refocus and keep pushing forward, making slow and steady development over time. As long as I keep showing up and doing my best, I’m confident I’ll get there. The small victories along the road make it worthwhile and keep me encouraged to persevere.