How to Stay on Top of Fitness Goals

With so much going on in our lives, it’s easy to lose track of our fitness goals. Hitting the gym or eating well are usually the first thing to go when we’re busy. We have other priorities! But of course, we later come to regret it. We wish we’d spent a little more time staying on top of our physical condition. Even when we’re as free as a bird, however, it’s not always plain sailing. It turns out that keeping our fitness in check is one of those things that can become problematic. If you’re in this boat, then the good news is that you’re not the first one. We’ve acquired a lot of knowledge about the best way to stay on the right fitness path. Take a read below, and you’ll find that staying in line with your goals is all the more straightforward.

Source: Pexels.com

Have a Target

One of the bigger mistakes that people make when it comes to their fitness is that they don’t know what they’re trying to achieve. If there’s no goal in sight, then it’s easy to wander off the trail. It’s only when we have a clear vision of where we want to be that we can stay true. It doesn’t really matter what the target is. It could be that we want to lose two inches of our waist, look good in a fitted t-shirt, or be able to run five miles in a specific timeframe. So long as there’s an answer to “why are you doing this?” then you’re good.

Stay Accountable

It turns out that humans really aren’t all that good at discipline. It takes a tremendous amount of work to do something that you’d rather not be doing, when you’re the only watching. It’s much better to be accountable in some way. You could have a running partner, or join an active group through Meetup and similar sites. If you ever decide to stay working towards your goal, then you won’t be the only person who knows -- the people in your fitness circle will, too. It’s a small but effective tool that can make all the difference on those cold mornings when you really don’t want to get out of bed to exercise.

Get Active

One of the things that they don’t tell you about gyms and getting healthy in general is that it can be pretty boring. A gym is not an exciting place; you don’t go there to have fun. So it would make sense that you would eventually grow tired, and decide to spend your time doing something that’s more entertaining (like, say, watching Netflix shows or something). However, it’s important to remember that the gym isn’t your only outlet when it comes to getting fit and healthy. It can be a very useful beginner point, if it has been some time since you’ve been active. But eventually, you might want to look at switching to something that’s more fun. Things like kayaking, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing can all be super enjoyable, and they’re great for your fitness, too.

Know What You're Doing

An issue for many is that they’re only dimly aware of what they’re doing. The human body is complex, and in order to reach your fitness goals, then you need to conduct some research to make sure that you’re working effectively. Thankfully, all the information you could need is already out there. If you’re trying to shift some pounds, then take a look at intermittent fasting for weight loss. If you’re trying to build muscle, then learn how to use weight properly (most people just turn up and use them as they imagine that should be used). It doesn’t make sense to try to achieve a goal without figuring out a plan for how you’re going to do it.

Avoid Cheating

People are naturally going to seek pleasure, and even more so when they’re put their body through pain. So many people undo their good work by eating sugary snacks or eating unhealthy meals. It’s true that one item of food isn’t going to change everything, but the problem is that it’s never just one item of food. Once you’ve broken the barrier of your vow (which may be “no more fast food meals”), it’s so easy to carry on breaking the vow. Just stay alert, and ignore the initial impulse. It’ll usually pass after a few minutes. Plus, if you need any additional motivation, just remember this: healthy foods can be delicious too. Cook some chickpeas, add some sweetcorn and spinach, and add a few spices. Pair with rice or quinoa, and you’ve got a meal that’s tasty and healthy.

Source: Pexels.com

Simple Changes

Some people think they’re doing all they can to be healthy, yet, when you break it down, it turns out that this isn’t the case. For example, one hour in the gym isn’t all that beneficial if every other moment of the day is spent sat down. As such, you’ll want to take a look at making a few small changes to your life if you find yourself in this situation. For example, how often are you walking? Some people drive to work, sit down all day, and then sit on the couch in the evening. This is a sedentary lifestyle that’ll have effects even if you are going to the gym.  

Stay Positive

Life is mostly about attitude; it can overcome anything. Instead of adopting a doom and gloom attitude towards your health and fitness, stay positive. You’ll find it’s much easier to do things that are inherently good for you if you treat it that way.

Rewarding Yourself

Finally, if you are really struggling to stay on the right path, take a look at bribing yourself. You’ll find it much easier to go to the gym if you tell yourself you’ll get a reward afterwards. Just make sure that it’s not a reward that’ll undo the good work (like fast food), but rather something neutral, like an item of clothing you’ve had your eye on.