Many of us find ourselves in the unfortunate position of gaining weight or not having the time and momentum for exercise. We have a long-lost dream of keeping fit way into retirement, and of being strong in our later years.
The reality is that we can do it. All you need do is cut a few things out of your life and do what you know is right. From eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily to taking those group fitness classes you’ve always wanted to, there are ways to easily grow stronger. You simply need to find natural ways of fitting it into your life, so that it’s not an extra, but a normal aspect of your daily routine.
So then, what are the ways to do just that? This article will give a few hints and tips to help you start off on your journey.
Create Time and Space
The first thing you need to do is to create extra time and space for that exercise. Even when you have children, this is possible.
If you’re working in an office, try and cut down the amount of time you spend in traffic. This can in one of three ways:
- Firstly, you can work remotely. Many companies now give that option, so that you have extra time on your hands. Make sure that your work doesn’t use up this time you save on the road—it’s your time! Discuss with your boss ways and means of separating office and home life, and how to ensure you neither under-, nor over-work.
- Secondly, you can go to the office very early, before the rush hour starts. This can save you anything between 10 and 45 minutes, depending on where you live.
- Thirdly, you can go in to the office late, starting work at home, and then completing work in the office. You’d need an understanding boss for this, but it’s very often workable.
Ensure that the time you gain is used for what it was intended for.
Fit Exercise into Your Day
The ability to fit exercise into your day can start small. All you need to do is start with 5 minutes, then 10, then 20. You’ll find that if you force yourself to do 5 minutes a day, it’ll become a habit by the end of three weeks, and your body will start craving the endorphins that exercise creates.
Even if you’re a mom with small kids, you can do exercise—waiting for the kettle to boil, do 30 squats. Or, instead of just walking up the stairs once, run up the stairs three times. You can even exercise with your children—just know it won’t be perfect; but definitely fun.
It’s also important to have variety, or you’ll get bored. So, if you follow YouTube videos, make sure you have 7 different styles of exercise to follow. Alternatively:
- Go to the gym, if the travelling-time doesn’t cut into your day.
- You could take group classes, which is more motivating.
- Include some dance routines.
- Add some exercise outside, which is good for mental health.
- Another motivator is to exercise with friends, a great way to both socialise and get fit.
The final aspect regarding exercise is to fit in different types of exercise in order to train the body in different ways. Cardio, fast exercise, toning, and strength training are all requirements to keep your body in the shape it should be.
Eat Fresh Food
Make sure you get your fresh fruit and vegetables into your daily diet in order to keep healthy. Start by eliminating sugar and bad fats from your diet, and you’ll find your body will crave healthy food. It’s a good idea to do this slowly, or your body will react badly, and you’ll feel nauseous, but removing those substances from your diet will increase your wellbeing almost straight away.
You can then add many vegetables and fruits to your eating plan, especially leafy greens. The latter tends to contain every vital vitamin and mineral you require for good health, so it’s an excellent idea to eat a lot of them. You can use them in soups and salads, but consider fermenting them too.
All three options can be made into delicious meals – vegetables don’t have to be boring!
Note: fermented food gives you a significant increase in the natural vitamins and minerals found in the veggies they contain. Also, it contains probiotics and significant amounts of good bacteria. This will benefit your body, and help your exercise regime too.
Conclusion
Changing your body to a fitter and healthier you needn’t be a chore. In fact, it can be quite a lot of fun. Choose activities and foods you enjoy, rather than ones that cause you to lose interest and motivation. Make sure you involve others in your plan, and you’ll soon find that, even if you have ‘off’ days, you’ll never want to go back to your unhealthy lifestyle.