Introduction:
So, you’ve decided to jump on the health and fitness bandwagon. Perfect! Now lets make sure that you can stay on it! Starting this journey is like adopting a pet – it’s exciting at first, but the real challenge is in the consistent care and commitment. However, once you start to overcome those challenges it’s always worth it in the end.
- Goal Setting: Dreaming Without Hallucinating:
Stop setting goals that sound like you’re still in school dreaming of becoming a rockstar. Set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Instead of “get ripped,” aim for “run 5km in 12 weeks ” Tangible targets lead to real triumphs.
- The Master Plan: Like a Grown-Up’s To-Do List:
Craft a plan that you can look at and say to yourself “I can do that”. If you’re already dreading the idea of what is to come with these changes you’ve over promised yourself already. These are your “how’ goals and what need to be looked at with optimism not uncontrollable fear.
- Finding Your Why: Because “Looking Good” is So High School:
Sure, looking good is nice, but let’s find a motivation that’s deeper than a kiddie pool. Is it boosting my confidence to improve my mental health, wanting to stop being in pain all the time, or making sure you’re able to keep up with your kids? Find that grown-up reason that’ll keep you glued to your fitness journey.
- Your Support Crew: The Friends Who Don’t Let You Flake:
Find friends or join a gym/community where the people around you are pulling you up rather than tearing you down. The type of people that don’t believe in the phrase “let’s skip leg day.” It’s the adult version of peer pressure, but for good.
- Starting Slow: This Isn’t a Race:
Don’t dive in like it’s a Black Friday sale. We’re in this game for a long time so there’s no point in always having to restart back at zero every 6 months after a “fitness binge”. Remember, the goal is to stay fit not just to get fit.
- Celebrate Little Wins: Like Adulting Medals:
Track your progress and celebrate the small wins. Finished a workout without crying? That’s a win. Managed to eat broccoli? Now that’s something that is Insta worthy.
- Embracing the Suck: Because Adult Life Wasn’t Punishing Enough:
You’ll face setbacks. Maybe you missed a workout because your cat was sitting on you, and you can’t possibly move. That’s okay. Adjust and keep going. It’s like taxes; unpleasant but necessary.
- Rest: This Doesn’t Mean Stop:
Rest days are necessary, we need time to allow for the changes to take place. We are all living in a fast paced world, sometimes the best thing to do is literally “stop and smell the roses”. You’re not losing your progress by resting, you only lose it by stopping.
- Patience, Young Padawan:
Fitness is a long game, like waiting for your favourite band to come back into fashion. Results take time. Be patient. After all, you’re in the prime of your adulting life.
- Conclusion:
Starting and sticking to your health and fitness journey is just that “A JOURNEY” – necessary, sometimes painful, but ultimately rewarding. It’s not just about reaching some mythical fitness nirvana; it’s about enjoying the ride, the falls, and the climbs. Embrace the challenge, overcome it and strive to improve.
