You’ve seen “What about Bob,” right? (I may be dating myself?!)
Bob gets freaked out about thinking too many steps ahead and overreacts to just about everything. His doctor teaches him to think of his life in baby steps to stay focused and successful. And by successful, I mean “walking out of a room” and “opening a car door.” Fitness is no different, especially if you’re just starting out. Once you make the decision to be healthy, it can often get pretty overwhelming. You need to be like Bob: take everything one day at a time, one change at a time.
Being healthy isn’t just “going to the gym three times a week.” It requires a full time commitment and decision to change your life. Now if you’re thinking “aw crap I need to empty my fridge, go buy spandex and spend five days in the gym, screw this!” I wouldn’t blame you; that would scare the crap out of me too. However, it doesn’t need to be so drastic and so sudden. BABY STEPS! You have to learn to crawl before you can walk.
If you haven’t worked out a day in your life, then maybe signing up for Crossfit classes five days a week isn’t the right idea. Try two days a week, and take it easy. Trust me, it’s much better to walk out of the gym saying “that was successful, I can’t wait to get back.” instead of “wow that sucked, I’m never doing that again! EVER!” Take it slow, take it one day at a time, and build on each day of success until you find your rhythm.
- Want to Start Running? Go for a 10 minute walk 1 minute/jog 4 minute the first day instead of taking on a full Marathon. The last thing you want is to go too far, and then spend the next four days with sore legs as you walk around like a penguin.
- Want to Buy a Gym Membership? Why not hold off for a few weeks and do body weight exercises in your house first? Go to http://www.youtube.com and type 'in home workouts' and a ton of quick workouts will pop up. There really are no excuses! You can get a lot done without paying for it.
- Gonna Join an Ultimate Frisbee League? Go out to the park a few weeks early, a couple nights a week, and start running around and tossing the disc. You have to get into game shape before you officially step on the field. Just like you have to learn to crawl before you walk, you have to learn to walk before you can run.
As for Your Diet, this Accounts for 80% of Your Overall Success when it comes to being healthy, take baby steps with your nutrition too. Don’t empty your fridge, don’t give up everything you love to eat…take it one change at a time. It’s really not that bad, plus eating healthy will add years to your life.
- The 1st Change You Absolutely Need to Make is START EATING BREAKFAST. This one is non-negotiable.
- If You Eat White Bread ( or Anything White for that Matter ie: rice), change it to whole grain. Within two weeks you won’t even notice the difference.
- If You Eat Steak and Cheese Subs 5 Days a Week…switch to a grilled chicken sandwich instead a few times a week. Do the research on what you like to eat that is good for you, and start to make the transition.
- If You Drink 5 Mountain Dews Every Day, switch to water. (If you’re drinking it because you need all that caffeine and sugar daily…well the truth is you’re probably addicted and should ween yourself off it anyways).
- Get a Bag of Chips or Chocolate Bar Every Day at the Vending Machine? Save the money and bring in your own healthy snacks so your are prepared for cravings.
Human beings are creatures of habit. You’re far more likely to change one habit at a time and stick with it than trying to change 76 habits simultaneously. Make a few changes, and concentrate on sticking with them. After you’ve made one positive change and stuck with it, use the success and momentum from that to say, “hey look what I did!” and keep the ball rollin’.
Remember, 500 less calories per day (either with exercise, change in diet, or a combination of the two) equals a loss of one pound of body fat per week. Little changes can add up quickly, so just stick with it!
Have a Happy and Healthy Day, Cheers :)
Remember, 500 less calories per day (either with exercise, change in diet, or a combination of the two) equals a loss of one pound of body fat per week. Little changes can add up quickly, so just stick with it!
Have a Happy and Healthy Day, Cheers :)