updated health tips and articles

10/30/2010

5 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Fitness

MD Williams

One of the most important challenges an individual will face in life, is to determine what fitness is, and what is an appropriate fitness level to strive for. In a society that sends mixed messages about food and drink, it stands to reason that one must have a plan to begin this process. The plan doesn't have to be a work of art when you are starting out, nor should it be something thrown together without thought. It should be clear, concise, and target your fitness needs. I have listed 5 things that you can do to improve your fitness.

The first thing is to "change" your thinking process. If your current fitness level is not acceptable to you, a first critical step in fitness transformation is to change your mindset. Take time to access your current values about fitness. Being willing to re-evaluate and adjust those values to accommodate a more fitness friendly concept, is crucial. Getting past this initial step, shows that you have engaged the idea of moving to another level of fitness.

Second, goal setting. Where would we be without a predefined criteria that summarizes the method for our desired result? Develop a set of goals for yourself. Something as simple as walking a half mile a day, or stretching 15-20 minutes a day, can be an effective strategy in your new fitness endeavor. Setting goals creates structure. Setting goals remind you what you have signed up for, and helps sharpen your focus.

Third, create an exercise plan that will allow you to make your physical transformation gradually. Stretching, body weight exercises, and walking are exercises that could energize this process. Make sure that your plan allows for progressive work. The body will adapt to a routine that doesn't change over time. The key here is creating the plan. Planning increases the chances of success and decreases the chances of injury. Approaching fitness without a plan is a recipe for injury as well as setting the stage for an erratic workout experience.

Fourth, create a diet plan that is based around your fitness goals. For example, if your fitness goal is to lose weight, then your "new" diet will feature a caloric intake that should reflect weight loss. On the other hand, if you are a linebacker on a local football team and your goal is to increase your physical size, then your daily caloric intake will reflect gaining weight. Diet plans help to properly fuel the body as well as develop muscle and endurance based on your fitness goals. Diet plans also assist you in changing the way you eat. The new eating habits should complement your newly developed exercise routine.

The final step is to commit to action. Acting on your plan is what brings it all together. You can create an exercise routine and a complimentary diet program, but if you can't commit to them, your fitness plan stops before it can get started.

If you can harness the 5 things listed here, then you will be well on your way to achieving fitness.

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