Unless you are someone who is passionate about keeping fit and enjoy a challenge, most of you will see exercise as a chore! We all know by now that a healthy lifestyle includes eating the right food and exercising but statistics show that many more people especially in Australia are battling with their weight leading to diseases and major health risks.The fact of the matter is that even though we have this knowledge and awareness, without motivation and the assistance of getting on track and staying on track most of us will avoid and fail to follow a healthy routine. Below I have listed some points for anyone who is wanting to change their lives, finding the motivation and help they require to start taking control again.
1. SPEAK TO A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL
It might seem simple to start exercising and eating right but lets face it, there are so many helpful tips and facts that a fitness professional is able to provide you with. They will introduce you to new programs, meal planning ideas and give you the guidance that will keep you on track.
If you can afford a personal trainer you can contact either your local gym (bare in mind some gyms require you to become a member for personal training sessions), leisure centres and even online. If you don't have the time to see a personal trainer or simply cannot afford one then there is another option that is FREE!
Get Healthy is a program that the NSW state government have created for people wanting help in starting a program, food coaching and assisting with their goals for 6mths. This is fantastic and we really have no more excuses ;) Your GP can also provide you with contacts if you are finding it difficult to locate someone in your area.
Phone: 1300 806 258
2. CLEAN OUT YOUR PANTRY!
We all know how it feels when our diet is going so well in the mornings and by that afternoon we are searching high and low for that naughty snack we kept at the back of the cupboard for emergencies. Usually a handful leads to the entire packet.
I, myself will binge eat especially if I am bored, stressed and wanting some sort of comfort food. Best solution, clean out your pantry of anything that you know will be tempting. If you are new to dieting then the EAT IN MODERATION motto simply won't work unless you are dedicated on changing your habits.
Eliminate everything containing empty calories meaning food that has no nutritional value in it. Once you have cleared your pantry and refrigerator start a shopping list only including those items required for your weekly menu plan which should include drinks and snacks.
If you make a habit of ONLY purchasing what you need rather than over buying on groceries it will make it easier to stick to your diet and slowly break those cravings. Once your body adapts to all that freshness it will certainly be more of a choice filling your pantry with goodness.
3. CHOOSE AN EXERCISE PLAN
When we think of exercise we often relate it to the Gym. Many people find that a gym is incredibly motivating especially since everyone in there is focusing on getting fit. They have all the equipment you require to enjoy a varied program and fitness classes to guide you through new exercises while having fun! Just be careful of gym contracts. Although we appreciate the help of our fellow fitness friends we also know that they are there to also make SALES. Find out all the pros and cons before locking yourself into a fitness facility.
Outdoor training is perfect for anyone who prefers being outside in the fresh air. You can fly solo and take a walk around the block or in a park. Take a friend or train in a group to avoid failing your exercise plan. Boot camps sound scary but there are so many variations that you should be able to find one that best suits you. Booty camp is a good example of a boot camp specifically for women focusing on the areas of their bodies they need to work on most (I'm sure we are aware of which areas they tend to be)!
Why not train in the comfort of your own home :) Most routines don't require much equipment if any! DVDs are a great way to feel like you are participating in a group session without having to be there in person. If you are a parent sometimes you don't always have the time or resources to just up and leave the home. This way you have your own personal trainer and friends helping you through.
One of the DVDs I often work out to at home (big thanks to my good friend Emma for recommending them to me) are from Beach Body. An American based team focused on group fitness training. Turbo Jam is one of our favourites, a combination of aerobics, kickboxing and dancing all in the one program. Absolutely love it! Find the link below
To be continued....
