Ten Steps to a Better You

“You can’t exercise your way out of a bad diet.”

Dr. Mark Hyman

Every fitness plan should start with establishing a healthy diet.  The word diet often congers up thoughts of excessive sacrifice, counting calories and dealing with the drudgery of small portioned bland tasting meals.  However, there are a variety of dietary options that can improve the quality of what you eat without making major alterations to your food choices. 

It is very important that you do ample research before selecting the dietary plan.  We suggest that you do more than simply rely upon a friend’s suggestion or impulsively jump into a program based upon claims in a late night infomercial.  Try to find a plan that fits with your lifestyle and also provides you with food options that meet with your palate.  Remember, a good diet plan should play a role in your eating habits long into the future, not just for a few months.  Making the right diet decision is an essential step toward obtaining the long term benefits of a healthier and more energetic body.

“If you can’t find the time to exercise you had better find the time to be sick.”

Kenneth H. Cooper

If you want to be healthy, aerobic exercise is a must.  There are countless ways to get aerobic exercise. Find the exercise that works for you.  Ideally, you should look for something that you both enjoy and fits well with your schedule.  The choices are endless.  It doesn't matter what you chose, walking, running, biking, swimming or participating in an active sport or aerobic oriented class, as long as you’re moving.  Choose the exercises that you’re most likely to stick with and get started.

“A year from now you’ll wish you had started today!” 

Karen Lamb

If you want to burn more calories and lose more weight, strength training can be just the ticket.  We are not talking about body building, we're talking about strengthening your muscles and in doing so, burning your body fat more efficiently.  Strength training can take on many forms including isometrics, free weights, band workouts and machines. The inclusion of some form of strength training will do wonders for your overall fitness level and will help provided you with that overall toned and healthy appearance.

“I get by with a little help from my friends!”

John Lennon

Get a partner and agree to support one another with your fitness programs.  Partner support can be a vital component to keeping you on the right track. The closer they are,  the better support they can potentially provide. We all confront days in which we just don’t want to put in the effort.  When they arise, it can be very easy to let yourself down.  But letting down your program partner, particularly when you are each relying upon each other, can be a little more challenging.  For many people that prone to giving in, having a program partner may be the difference between staying with your fitness plan and not.  As a result, getting a workout partner can be one the best decisions you make.

“A jug fills drop by drop.”

Buddha

As stated earlier, results do not come overnight.  It takes time and dedication to achieve your ultimate goal of being in the physical shape you desire.  However, you will see steady improvement with steady commitment to your plan.  With that said, don’t feel you have to start out with a five day a week program.  Sometimes taking it in stages will give your body a better opportunity to adapt to your new workout regimen.  You can increase your exercise requirements as your body strengthens and/or your endurance improves.  Remember, small steps can go a long way to getting you to where you want to go.  The most important thing is, regardless of how small the steps are, keep moving forward. 

“One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.”

Sidney Howard 

Too often people quit their diet or exercise programs because they’re looking for immediate results.  Many fitness trainers say, “After a month, you’ll start feeling results.  After two months, you’ll start noticing results.  After three months, others will start noticing.”  And it's often true.  It will likely take a few months before you really start seeing clear visible results of your efforts.  However, the often overlooked fondation that you will be developing, will set the necessary stage for more noticeable future benefits.  Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, your internal heath will be be much improved.  For those reasons, it's important that short term goals are not strictly appearance based.  Instead, your goals should be more oriented toward your efforts.  Rewarding yourself for maintaining your fitness efforts can play a significant role in keeping you moving in the right direction.