Keeping fit is something that we should all do. But how often have you made a change in your lifestyle such as started a new diet, or implemented a new fitness routine, only to abandon it after a week?
Making a new change can be stressful but it doesn’t need to be…
Make Lifestyle Changes Gradually
There is a reason that we often abandon these major lifestyle changes and this is generally because we are doing too much at once.
Our habits will have taken us our entire lives to develop, and we’re not just going to be able to break them with a click of a finger. If you are used to eating a certain type of diet, then completely changing this overnight will come as a huge culture shock to your body and it will leave you feeling pretty lousy.
Similarly, if you expect to be able to increase your level of activity from low to high immediately, your body and brain are going to be resistant to the change.
Don’t expect to make major changes suddenly. Implement the psychology of marginal gains and make the changes that you want in a more gradual fashion.
Get The Right Kit
We all worry about how we appear to others. And having the right kit is important for if you are taking up a new physical activity. Whether you need Fujin Tracksuit Bottoms or some new running shoes, buy something that is suitable for the job that you need it to do, but that you are also happy with the appearance of.
While you may be dealing with superficial ways of developing your confidence around physical activity, if you feel confident in the way you are dressed, the internal self-confidence will gradually follow.
Set Realistic Goals
If you are just starting out on a fitness journey, don’t expect to lose four stone and be able to run a marathon in six months. Sure, you will hear stories of people who can do that, and it is not impossible. But comparing yourself to these people is setting yourself up with some very unreal expectations.
If you do not succeed in meeting these lofty goals or don’t seem to be making the level of progress you would have hoped to, you are going to be more inclined to feel demotivated and give up.
Make sure that your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Start small and work up. Remember, a marathon is a slow process and you should not try and sprint it.
Mix It Up A Bit
Variety is the spice of life. If you are running the same course or using the same pieces of gym equipment every day, stop. Mix it up a bit. Think of alternative exercises to bring into your routine. Go for a cycle or a swim. Take in a change of scenery, or listen to a playlist or podcast while you work out. The fresher you can keep your experience, the more likely you will be to continually engage with it.
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This post was written with collaboration with FATJOE
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