By Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation
Getting in shape, having a toned body and being in good health are three things that just about every person in the world desires. As we age, our metabolism slows down making it that much harder to lose weight and stay fit. There’s no magic pill or simple solution to weight loss, but there are some things that you can do to help you achieve your fitness goals regardless of your age.
Before we delve into those things, it’s important to understand that getting in shape, toning your abs and losing weight isn’t all about exercise. There’s a lot more to it than that, such as getting an adequate amount of sleep, reducing caloric intake, consuming plenty of water and more. Nonetheless, here are four tips to help you achieve your fitness goals:
- Set Realistic Goals – All too often, we set goals for ourselves only to fail at them. The primary reason we fail is because the goal that we set was a long-term goal. Instead of setting long-term goals that are almost impossible to achieve, set yourself several short-term goals that can realistically be met. This not only helps you actually meet your goals, but it helps to keep you motivated on your fitness journey.
- Start Slow – The saying “No Pain, No Gain” does not necessarily apply. Instead, start slow. Don’t rush into things. If you start off too fast, you are more likely to quit. Whether starting slow means taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator or reducing the number of soft drinks that you drink a day from 5 to 3, go at your own pace so that you the probability of achieving your fitness goals are much higher.
- Get Plenty of Sleep – While you may think it’s not necessarily the most important thing in the world, adequate rest (especially if you are exercising) is critical in maintaining a healthy body. Without sleep, your body is like a car running on fumes. If you are dieting and exercising but not getting enough sleep, you could really be putting your body in danger.
- Stay Hydrated – It is of vital importance to remain properly hydrated when exercising. When you sweat, you are losing body weight. But if your body doesn’t have adequate hydration, the cardiovascular system becomes stressed resulting in decreased physical performance. Therefore, it is recommended to drink a couple of glasses of water prior to physical activity, at least five ounces every 20 minutes during physical activity and at least a couple of glasses of water following physical activity.
Many find it difficult to reach their fitness goals because they are not adequately educated and motivated. If this is something that you are worried about, you may want to consider talking with your local MWR Fitness Center Director.
