Don’t feel bad if you’ve been struggling to achieve your fitness goals and haven’t had much success. All you need are simple strategies for how you can get in better shape and stick to your new routine. 

What you need to do, rather than feeling guilty, is to avoid letting your past keep you down or hold you back from creating a brighter future for yourself. There’s no better time than the present to pick yourself back up and try again. However, this time, you’ll have an actual plan in place for how you can ensure you succeed.

Remain hopeful throughout the process and most importantly don’t give up or ever quit going after what it is you desire. 

 

Your first order of business should be to outline your key objectives for what you want to accomplish throughout your fitness journey. Trying to keep it all sorted out in your head is only setting yourself up for failure. Document specific goals and how you’re going to go about tackling each one if you want to give yourself a better chance at making sure you don’t lose your way. For example, commit to hitting the gym a certain amount of days per week and specify the exact amount of pounds you want to lose. Review your list daily, so you’re constantly reminding yourself about what it is you set out to do.

It’ll be difficult to get in shape if you’re always fighting an uphill battle and not putting your self-care first. Focus on building a solid foundation of good habits and then slowly add to it as you go. You can do this by addressing any underlying health concerns immediately. For example, if you’re battling drug or alcohol addiction, then now is the time to reach out and get the help you need. You can view here what your options are for rehab facilities near you that will allow you to get back on the right track. You won’t be able to get in better shape until you face these obstacles and get clean. 

Half the fun of getting in shape has to do with what you’re wearing and that you feel confident when you’re working out. Purchase exercise clothes that fit you well and that you feel comfortable in and you’ll have a better time breaking a sweat. There are options and styles out there for any shape and size no matter your personal taste. Take the time to go shopping or hop online and pick out a few new outfits that flatter your body shape and motivate you to work out on a regular basis. This way you won’t feel self-conscious as you try to lose the weight or have an excuse as to why you can’t exercise. 

Portion control is extremely important when you’re trying to get in better shape. The fewer calories you consume and the more you workout, the more weight you’ll drop. Go as far as measuring and weighing your food if you have to, and be mindful to stop eating before you’re feeling full. Many people find that keeping a food journal or diary is very helpful in this situation. Cooking for yourself at home will also help you stick to your preferred amount of calories because eating out at restaurants can often cause you to take in more than you desire. Make sure to fill your plate with a lot of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and think twice before going for seconds to help you cut back the amount of food you’re consuming at each meal.

Lack of sleep is one reason you may be hanging on to unwanted pounds or skipping your early morning workout. Make sleep a priority, and you’ll have an easier time getting in better shape because you won’t be dragging yourself around each day. Unplug from your electronics early and get into a healthy bedtime routine, such as drinking decaffeinated tea or reading a good book before you go to sleep. The more rested you are, the more likely you’ll be to achieve your fitness goals and not be tempted to slack. Your workouts will also be more productive because you’ll have more energy to give it your all. In addition, you’ll sleep better at night because you’ll be tired from all the exercise you’re getting.

It’s normal to want to unwind in front of the television once in a while, but all the time is keeping you from getting in better shape. Instead of sitting on the couch after work, try going out for a walk or taking the dog for a hike. Incorporate more movement in your days overall, and you’ll be burning more calories and likely have the urge to improve your diet too. Too much television watching is keeping you from all of the fun and healthy activities you could be participating in instead. It’s also been said that watching a lot of television can cause you to eat more junk food or consume more calories than desired because you’re paying less attention to what you’re doing. 

Another simple strategy that will help you get in better shape is to view your adjustment as a lifestyle change instead of a fad diet. Look at your modifications as a way of life and how you’re going to function from here. Saying that you’re dieting and labeling your transformation as a temporary fix is only going to make it harder for you to stick with it over the long-term. Unfortunately, dieting typically doesn’t last very long, and you’ll soon be back to your old ways. Start to see the bigger picture and how you can adjust your behaviors for years to come and actually continue to live a healthy lifestyle in the midst of your daily life challenges and responsibilities. 

Working out doesn’t have to be a solo occurrence that makes you feel lonely and isolated. Turn exercise into a social activity by taking a group class or finding a workout buddy who’s also trying to get in better shape. Have fun with it and don’t think of movement as a chore or it’s probable you’ll get sick of it and eventually give up. Instead of running outside by yourself, you can join a gym or running club and get to know other people who are also trying to improve their fitness levels. There are a wide variety of group activities you can try as well, such as yoga, rock climbing or playing team sports. It’s a great way to expand your social circle and get in your daily exercise all at the same time. 

Music not only boosts your mood, but it can also be very motivating when it comes to working out. Spend time creating a fun playlist for when it’s time to exercise and notice how much more you’re able to give and that your energy levels increase. Get in better shape by picking songs that you can relate to or that simply provide that extra boost you need to try a little bit harder and push yourself. Fitness can be engaging and entertaining when you have the right tools in place, and you remove any pressure you’re putting on yourself to be or look perfect. Let the sounds and lyrics move you and cause you to burn extra calories and have an enjoyable time while you’re at it.

It’s going to be difficult to get in better shape if you don’t monitor how you’re doing along the way. You can set all the goals you want, but you also have to hold yourself accountable for how you’re progressing and improving. Track your growth and development on a regular basis and take note of what you’re doing well and in what areas you could be stepping it up. This is your chance to make any necessary adjustments as well, like working out after work versus in the morning if you aren’t getting up when your alarm rings. The key here is honesty and making sure you’re not cutting corners or cheating yourself. It’s also important that you celebrate your successes and milestones along the way by stopping to acknowledge all your hard work.   

Getting in better shape is easier when you’re strict about setting yourself up for success. You can do this by using these tips to help you get started in the right direction. It’ll help if you avoid putting too much pressure on yourself and simply focus on setting and meeting your daily goals. Remain patient because this type of change takes time and you’re not going to experience results overnight. Stick with it, and over time you’ll begin to notice how much better you look and feel and it’ll become easier to live a healthy lifestyle.