Staying Healthy and Motivated Throughout the Year
January has come and gone, and maybe your resolution to lead a
healthier lifestyle has gone with it. Whether you’re just hitting a roadblock
or if you completely fell off the train, you can still get back into gear. It’s
important to implement a plan you can upkeep throughout the year. It’s all
about
finding the right balance of exercise
routines, resting and recovering, and listening to your body.
Caring for Your Body
Instead of setting monthly goals, set goals for two or three
month at a time. You can still set small target goals to reach so you’re
motivated by seeing progression. Taking small steps is important because trying
to take steps that are too big can be overwhelming, demotivating, and keep you
from reaching your goals. Once you’ve reached your two or three month goal, do
it all over again. If you don’t succeed, try setting even smaller target goals,
like every week.
Many people search for a certain diet trend to try to achieve
their weight loss goals, but those trends sometimes eliminate things our body
really needs, such as carbs or fats. Instead, aim to eat as
clean and balanced as possible. Consume
non-processed foods, low amounts of sugar, foods that are naturally low in fat,
and small amounts of good carbs. Carry these choices over when you eat at
restaurants too. Also, be sure to eat in moderation and don’t overeat at meals.
When planning your daily meals, include plenty of fruits and
vegetables and high-fiber foods. Eat a variety of foods to ensure your body
gets all of the nutrients it needs. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. This doesn’t
just apply to working out; it’s important to drink water throughout the day.
Lastly, getting an adequate amount of sleep is crucial. A lack of sleep can
reduce your energy levels and affect the way your body grows and repairs.
Switch It Up and Cool
Off
Regardless of how long you workout, exercising three to five
days a week is enough for a healthy lifestyle. Remember to keep your exercises
balanced by switching up the type of exercise, as well as the volume and
intensity. This is to prevent over reaching and causing injury, and it’s
especially important if you decide to workout more than five days a week.
For example, walk your dog (or if you don’t have one, take on
some
dog
walking clients) on the weekend, lift weights on Tuesday and Friday,
and go for a swim on Thursday. These different exercises work a variety of
muscle groups and change up the intensity. Yet, they all offer you healthy
training to help you reach your goal. Remember that participating in outdoor
activities is great but depends heavily upon the weather, so have a plan for
indoor activities in the summer when it’s too hot or in the winter when it’s too
cold. You don’t want rain or snow sabotaging your exercise regime.
When you’re working out, be sure to listen to your body. If you
need to rest, take a break. This also means taking a day off if you need it.
Taking a
day off doesn’t mean sitting on the couch and
watching TV. Instead, practice yoga or get a personal massage. Personal trainer
Tyrone Brennand says yoga has provided him with unbelievable improvements,
mentally and physically. It’s also helped him improve other aspects of his
training.
Worth It
Sticking to an exercise routine and practicing clean eating
aren’t always easy, but the rewards are definitely worth it. To avoid getting
bored or burnt out, challenge yourself with different routines. After a few
months, you’ll be surprised and inspired by what you’re capable of achieving,
which is the real beauty in becoming a healthier you. Enjoy your new healthy
lifestyle and feel good about healing your mind, body, and soul.
Author: Paige Johnson
