Four billion one-hundred and fifty million. That’s the number of articles that show up when you Google “How to get fit.” You can check. I’ll wait.
With so much information out there (some great, and others rather questionable), it’s easy to disappear down a rabbit hole of information overload where quick-fixes, “magic potions” and fashion tips (of all things) reign supreme. So much so, that once you’ve binge-read thousands of words or watched impossibly difficult “beginner” workouts on YouTube, you might think twice about starting your fitness journey.
As a fairly recent fitness convert, I can attest that getting fit doesn’t have to be overly complicated. In fact, by setting yourself up for success with these handy tips and videos, the process of getting fit and healthy does take some work, but is actually quite simple.
And the bonus? You can do it without leaving home.
1. Psych yourself up:
If you struggle with finding joy in working out, you’re not alone – there are thousands of people who loathe any form of it. And yes, your reason may be hereditary according to this study conducted in 2017, but for the rest of us, it’s most likely learned behaviour. Luckily, we are capable of unlearning behaviours and changing habits, and it all boils down to mindsets.
Assistant professor of psychology at Stanford University, Dr Alia Crum, has been researching this topic for years. She says “Mindsets are not inconsequential. They play a dramatic role in determining our health and wellbeing”.
So, tell yourself you love working out. Make yourself believe that there is nothing better than waking up every morning and moving your body. Retrain your mind in order to train your body.
2. Stop making excuses:
When you decide to begin your health journey, you might conjure up as many excuses as there are fitness search results. And yes, you’ll have some valid reasons.
Your kids need parenting, the dogs need walking and the increasing number of emails in your inbox will have to be read. You will be busy. But the truth is, eventually, you’ll have to put yourself and your health first.
Making time for yourself is a key component in self-care. This small adjustment could make a large, positive dent in every aspect of your life.
3. Think long-term:
Remember all of those “get-fit-and-healthy” New Year’s resolutions you’ve made and abandoned over the years? It’s possible that you’ve been putting too much pressure on yourself – a case of too much too soon.
If your health goals feel as daunting as climbing the Himalayas, remember, reaching the summit is still done by taking it one step at a time. You’ll get there eventually.
Change takes time.
4. Have fun!
Exercise does not have to be about looking a certain way or shape, or having an inner thigh gap as so many fitness “influencers” promote. Show me the studies claiming the correlation of the distance between thighs for a more fulfilling life, and I might change my stance. Until then, I’ll unfollow anyone endorsing such trash. But, I digress…
You can have fun while working out. Laugh, cry, cheer, celebrate. Whatever gets you through a workout, do it! You’ll be at home anyway, so why not?
Team Body Project, by husband and wife duo, Daniel and Alex Bartlett have changed thousands of lives–including my own. Start your fitness journey today with one of their fun-filled free videos below, or subscribe to their website. Just to be clear, this is not a sponsored post. Press play, turn the volume up and you’ll soon be telling everyone you know about TBP.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Check with your doctor or health professional before starting a new fitness routine.
Low impact workouts for beginners:
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