Fitness Lifestyle Changes

Learn how subtle lifestyle changes can make a HUGE difference in your fitness level...

So, you hate to exercise! Or, you think that you don't have enough time to start a fitness program! Diets don't work for you, either! Have you ever stopped to ponder how simply making little changes in your everyday lifestyle can help you look and feel better? I'm here to tell you that it is possible to attain better fitness! Even those who dread exercise and quiver at the thought of engaging in such can lose weight, tone muscles, and improve endurance. Even if you seem to lack willpower to stick with a fitness program, you can do it! All you have to do is follow a few suggestions, and, before you know it, you'll begin to notice an improvement in your overall health and fitness.

Avoid Negative Self-Criticism

First of all, if you're overweight...if you've been unsuccessful with dieting and/or sticking with an exercise regimen...don't be too hard on yourself! Strive to accept yourself just the way you are. Realize that the majority of people are not genetically comprised to look like fashion models. In fact, for most of us, it is physically impossible to look like one. Also, don't compare yourself to others! Doing so will most likely lead to negative self-criticism. And, all those negative thoughts just might lead to feelings of hopelessness and turning to food to drown your sorrows.

A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life

Understand the health risks of dieting. Know that 95% of dieters eventually regain any weight that they've lost. Instead of trying every fad diet on the market, focus more on eating healthy, balanced meals everyday for the rest of your life. (Don't forget to include plenty of fruits and veggies!) Cut down on portion sizes to cut down on calories. Don't overstuff yourself. Remember that you have to consume fewer calories than you burn in order to lose weight! Get to know your body's caloric needs and fuel it accordingly.

Get Up and Move!

Next, get more exercise without actually having to plan and stick with a vigorous exercise program. For instance, if you live close enough to work or school, get up a little earlier and walk or ride a bicycle instead of driving. If you're in a building that has both an elevator and stairs, choose the stairs. Increasing the number of steps you walk per day will increase the number of calories you burn. During your lunch break or after dinner, try replacing dessert with a short, brisk walk. Throughout the day, get up and stretch your body a little. Wiggle your feet and do a few neck rolls while sitting at your desk. The more you move around, the more calories you're going to burn throughout the day.

When you're at home, don't be a couch potato. If you're a music lover, crank up the stereo and dance around your living room, instead of plopping in front of the tv with a bag of chips or candy. Housework and gardening are good sources of exercise, as well. Try mowing your own lawn or raking your own leaves. Vacuuming and scrubbing floors can work your body, too. Make an effort to incorporate subtle changes into your lifestyle, and, someday, you may discover that you're feeling more energetic, leaner, and better about yourself!

Cyndi Schoenhals
SmoothFitness.com