Cathal Barry
The trick to a healthier you is to constantly challenge yourself
Now that January is well under way, your New Year's resolution to eat healthily has probably gathered some steam. So before your enthusiasm begins to falter, perhaps it is time to take it to the next level and get fit!
The trick to a healthier you is to constantly challenge yourself – taking on new challenges conceal the monotony of dieting and keeps you motivated to achieve your desired results.
Results
Results are very important. However, people often get so bogged down in seeing results that they lose track of their original goals, or forget to set any at all.
Goal setting should always come first. Whatever those goals may be, ensure that they are realistic and achievable.
Make sure also to differentiate between long-term and short-term goals. Achieving those ëminií goals each week will boost your confidence and keep you on track towards your ultimate target.
Once the goals have been set, donít rush them. Take your first steps to fitness slowly. Why not begin by easing yourself into exercise at home or in the garden before stepping it up to the local park or streets.
Keep things simple
Again, keep things simple. Try some fail-safe exercises like walking, jogging, push ups, squats and lunges. Not only have these basic exercises been a staple of fitness regimes for centuries and proven to work, they are also free of charge and can be done anywhere.
Variety is the spice of life, so make sure you try out different things. Give everything a go and keep your body guessing. However, if you do stick to one thing make sure to push yourself harder each week to ensure you are challenging yourself sufficiently.
The internet
If you have never had any experience with exercise and are at a loss with where to begin, donít just give up! The internet is a fantastic resource with plenty of information and tips from fitness professionals, which will be more than enough to get you started.
You might even know a personal trainer or fitness instructor who could help you. If all else fails, talk to friends who exercise and try out what they have been doing.
Be careful not to get bogged down in too much researching and information. Get out and give something a go. You will soon discover what works for you.
There is no great secret to losing weight or getting fit, and once you tidy up your daily diet and exercise regularly it will happen.
When it does, donít be afraid to give yourself a pat on the back.
However, donít get complacent. What helped you lose a pound or two this week might not work next week. So remember – constantly challenge yourself!
