6 Steps to Get in Shape

Getting in shape is a continuous effort that requires personal commitment, drive, and strategies to get moving every day. As long as you stick to your plan and find ways to carry out workouts, eat healthy meals, and sleep, you're actively working towards your goals. Following through on these habits day by day is easier said than done. To help you get in shape, here are six preliminary steps to take.

1. Keep a Food Journal

You will feel more accountable for your food by keeping a food log of everything you consume each day. By bringing the element of personal accountability to the table, you’ll feel more responsibility to make healthier choices.

2. Purchase Workout Gear

You’ll likely feel more polished and put together with the right workout clothes, which will also boost your confidence and encourage you to continue working towards your fitness goals. Get men’s running shoes and windbreaker tops to avoid weather-related issues while exercising.

3. Drink More Water

Most of us could be consuming more water. The general rule of thumb is to drink half your body's weight in ounces per day. Even this specific estimation is considerably rough, as it does not account for the amount of water lost in sweat or from drinking and eating healthy foods that have diuretic qualities.

Unless you've made a habit out of drinking a gallon of water a day, you probably could find ways to sneak in more water throughout the day. Take it slow at first, perhaps by starting the day with a glass of warm lemon water. Warm lemon water can do wonders for getting digestion back on track.

4. Follow a Schedule

You'll be inclined to follow through with your workouts if you pencil them into your daily schedule. There is a lot to be said about the motivating effects that result from feeling personal satisfaction from completing difficult tasks.

The more accomplished or proud you feel, the more likely you will continue to behave in ways that get you closer to your goals. Include your eating windows, workouts, sleep schedule, and personal care practices in your daily schedule to reap the health benefits of following a routine.

5. Wake Up Earlier

Many successful leaders credit their achievements to mornings. However you choose to make the most of mornings, they will influence your fitness outcomes by getting you going sooner. You free up time that not everyone takes advantage of each day by getting up earlier.

During this time, you can shave off more of your to-do list, get an early workout in, or plan out your day more effectively. The total number of calories you burn each day will also increase, as you'll be awake and moving your body for more hours than you usually are during the day. Your appetite may change, and you may find it easier to eat smaller meals throughout the day.

6. Talk to a Friend

As with a fitness log, creating more accountability for yourself by letting a friend know what you’re up to will make it easier for you to stick to your fitness goals. Let them know your plans for self-improvement and don’t let them down!

The Bottom Line

Getting in shape is all about finding ways to trick your brain into staying motivated. Eating healthy, working out, and getting enough sleep are essentials to good health, but they are not always habits that want to be practiced every single day. By using the above suggestions in this article, you can fool your brain into finding more motivation and consistency to put toward your goals each day.

We hope you enjoyed Simply Amazing Living's “6 Steps to Get in Shape” post.