How Do I Get Fit?
Getting fit can be challenging and frustrating. Optimal health and fitness requires a combination of consistent and effective exercise, a nutritious diet, and patience. There's truly no quick way to physical fitness, but with determination it is possible to get in shape and stay in shape for a lifetime.
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Move It!
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There's no two ways around it: exercising is essential to physical fitness. If you have never exercised, start slowly, but eventually build up to three to five days of cardiovascular activity, 30 minutes a day. Cardiovascular exercise keeps your heart healthy in addition to burning calories and improving your endurance. Strength training to build lean muscle is important, too, because more muscle can increase your metabolism and help you lose fat. Aim for about three days of muscle building activity per week. If you're new to exercise and not sure what activities you'll enjoy most, join a large fitness center that offers several classes and try them all. Many gyms offer trial memberships so you can try them out before making a larger financial investment. Maybe you're not a gym rat you but love playing sports, or maybe you'd exercise more with a workout buddy. Websites such as http://www.meetup.com, or http://www.craigslist.org often have postings for intramural teams or exercise leagues. Joining a group of health-minded peers is another great way to get fit.
Healthy Nutrition
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Healthy eating is an important aspect of fitness. Many diets are out there, but the key is finding a nutritious eating plan you can stick with. Your diet should be consistent and filled with important nutrients, like foods high in protein. Protein helps maintain muscle you build during your strength training exercises. Eating skinless white-meat poultry, lean steak, fish, eggs, beans, tofu and low-fat dairy are all healthy sources of protein. Eat your fruits and vegetables, and aim for at least five servings per day. Munching on produce such as apples, blueberries, and bananas helps you on your fitness journey by being lower-calorie snack options. Finally, carbohydrates are not bad. You just have to make sure to eat the "good carbs." Opt for nutrient-rich whole grain breads and pastas as part of a healthy diet. Eating healthy while exercising will get you on the track to optimal fitness.
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Be Patient
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Exercising and eating well is the best way to physical fitness, but this improvement doesn't occur overnight. Often, people start noticing results after dedicating themselves to a fitness plan for at least 8 to 10 weeks. If you are really out of shape, it can take months to begin turning your health around. But if you're consistent and determined, your patience will pay off eventually and you'll begin enjoying a healthy body and lifestyle.
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