As time goes by, many of us are starting to realize that staying in shape and leading a healthy life is very important for our complete wellbeing and living a longer life. A sedentary lifestyle, coupled with unhealthy eating habits can take a toll on your body and mind, resulting in illnesses and generally poor health. Getting in shape is an ongoing process, but there are some rules that you should follow, especially if you want to get in shape fast. Read on to see our 7 rules to live by.
Daily exercise
You need 21 days to integrate a habit into your lifestyle, and exercise falls into that category. If you exercise two or three times a week it’s much easier to skip a few days which can lead to a complete stop to your routine. If you exercise every day, even if it’s for half an hour, exercise will become second nature to you, and it will be less likely that you will skip any workout days. When you get into the habit of exercising, you can adjust the days to fit your schedule better.
Start slowly
Even if you think that your first workout should be rigorous to count as a proper start, you can be very wrong. Extreme workouts and eating regimens at the beginning of your journey can create a counter-effect. You can suffer from burnout or even serious injuries. Don’t run 5 km if it’s your first run, and don’t go for the heaviest set of weights on your first gym day. You can’t become the fittest person in a week. Start slowly and figure out if your routine needs adjusting after some time.
Work smart
When you get into a habit of exercising, you get used to the intensity very quickly, or you can even hit a plateau of your strength after some time. It may look logical to work out for longer periods, but this can be counterproductive. You will only loose time, and after a while, you may start to lose muscle. The point is to improve from exertions. This can be doing fewer repetitions with higher weight.
Eat healthily
What we eat and drink is the basis of our health. The food is like fuel and we get the energy to function during the day. Extreme diets can be very dangerous as you are not taking in as much food as your body needs. Eating proper foods and healthy quantities is very important to get in shape. If you focus on specific nutrients, you can miss the big picture. Look at generally what you eat and see if it’s healthy for you or not. Avoid processed food and food high in sugar. Vegetables should be the main course and meat should be the side dish. Drink lots of water and stay away from soft drinks.
Do cardio
Cardio is a very important step in your journey to getting fit. For many people, cardio is their least favorite part of exercising, but maybe it’s because you didn’t find the right cardio exercise for you. Cardio should be done three to five times a week and you should get your heart rate up. Cardio is great for burning fat and to help you get in shape quickly. You can do running on a treadmill, skipping rope, dance, HIIT, etc.
Outdoor workouts
If you are not a fan of gyms, you can do your workouts outside. There are many ways you can exercise outdoors, like running, walking, or riding a bike. Bicycles are amazing for cardio workouts as well as for recreation. They are fun, help you get in shape and you can easily avoid the traffic because bicycles can have their lanes. If you are looking for a new bike for you or your family member, you can even find and order them online on sites like Bicycles Online. Don’t forget your helmet and water bottle.
Stretch after the workout
Stretching and warming up are very important steps in your workout routine. Stretching improves flexibility and can prevent injuries and muscle cramps. It also relieves stress. A light cardio workout is good for warming up, and after an intense workout session when your muscles are activated, finish with stretching. Be careful if you have any injuries. Stretching will help relax muscles.
To get in shape fast you should be diligent with your workouts, as well as your eating habits and rest. Don’t skip out on meals, and try to prepare your meals at home. Drink lots of water, and take care of yourself when exercising to not get injured. Be mindful of your body and don’t push it over the limit all the time.
