So what makes fit people different from non-fit people?
Their habits.
Fit people make their health and well-being important to them. If it’s important to you, you’ll find the time, otherwise, you’ll just find an excuse.
This brings me to the 7 things I do differently.
1. Enjoy your workout / Get workout gear
Find a workout that you enjoy doing. If you don’t like it the likelihood of you committing yourself further to it is minimal.
Make a list of sports or programs you want to try out. The aim is to find your soul mate workout.
I’ve just started up Adult Gymnastics, and while there are some ‘tricks’ I’m not ready to do, I keep coming back, because I have fun, I can laugh at myself and it’s challenging.
So find a workout that is fun, challenging, and makes you want to come back for more.
There is nothing like a new outfit to help you get motivated to enjoy your workout. That also includes shoes, and just like Cinderella, a pair of shoes can change your life.
Little did I know when I first started my fitness journey that lacing up my runners would change me.
When was the last time you got fitted for a pair of exercise shoes?
Did you know that weight can have an impact on your shoe size too?
If it’s been over a year since you last got a pair of shoes then you need to seriously consider getting fitted for a new pair of shoes.
No two people’s feet are the same and getting fitted for the right type of shoes is really important. Being in the wrong type of shoes can do you more harm than good. So don’t be scared to get fitted for a pair of shoes.
The Athlete’s Foot is a great place to visit for a shoe fitting. They will listen to your history and ensure you walk away with the right fit for your feet. Believe me, your feet will thank you.
And yes ladies that’s an excuse to go buy new shoes.
2. Get involved in a club / or get a workout buddy
When you are starting out motivation is critical. So don’t be afraid to join a club, or do a workout with a friend.
Joining a club can be a bit nerve-racking. I know when I first joined the local running club I was nervous as heck, but the people there are wonderful.
The best part was I didn’t feel alone. I was around other like-minded people.
I have also learned invaluable lessons from the members of the club by listening to their stories.
Don’t have a run club near you? Then considering joining an online community like FitZone.
Also, check out Parkrun, it’s free with locations all over the world.
3. Set Goals
Goals have helped me stay motivated & focused.
Write long-term and short-term goals. When you achieve a goal, put a new goal on there, so you continually have something to aim for.
Races are also great goal motivators, as race day is “goal” date. Most races now have team options, so if you don’t want to do it alone, drag some friends along with you, it will make a great bonding experience and you will have something to talk about for many years.
4. Eat Real Food
I love food. When I eat poor nutrient deficient food however I feel awful in my mind body and spirit.
When I eat real food, I feel better, I sleep better and I perform better.
I enjoy fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. Eating a variety of proteins and fat, as well as other fat sources of olive oils, nuts & avocados.
Just like finding your soulmate workout try new foods. You might discover something that you really enjoy.
Have fun in the kitchen creating new meals. Treat yourself to a new cookbook, and cook from it for a month. I have recently and have thoroughly enjoyed the new meals I’ve created (so have my kids).
5. Drink Water
If you didn’t already know, our bodies are made up of 75% water, so it makes sense that that is what we hydrate ourselves with.
Don’t like water? Learn to like it. If that means you have to transition yourself to drinking weak cordial, or even lemon water, just do it.
In time water is what your body will naturally crave, and you will find it utterly refreshing.
6. Get Sleep
Aim to sleep at least 7-8 hours a night. If this means having to change your nighttime routine, then do it.
I enjoy listening to classical music about an hour before bed. It helps to unfrazzle my mind and makes me sleep more soundly.
7. Know that you aren’t perfect
I have stretch marks.
I don’t have a perfect running form.
I have a broken coccyx (bum – tailbone) which makes doing some workouts really hard.
I can be lazy.
I know I’m not perfect, and that’s ok.
What matters is I like myself, and I’m happy with who I am.
I’m a role model for my kids. So while I’m not perfect how I see myself will also have an impact on them. So if I want my kids to be happy, fit & healthy, then it makes sense that I am too.
Great post! I didn’t know you have a broken bum too:) I broke mine in two places years ago in a skydiving landing problem:) But yeah it can make certain things at times a little difficult, I still struggle sitting for long periods:)
Drinking water is so important, I go through phases on this, in the winter months I drink water like crazy, but in the summer (which is opposite what you’d think) I always have to force the water down:)
I have a u shape pillow for when I know I’m going to sit for long periods. There are certain pilates exercises where I also need the pillow as it puts way too much pressure and it hurts.
I don’t remember when I hurt it the first time, but I know how I hurt it the 2nd time. thanks Tough Mudder, but i signed a death waiver, so I’ll deal.
Love this! I need some new running shoes–bad!
Don’t deal, go out and get some. You’ll feet will thank you.
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Great article Matilda. We all need to love who we are because there is no one else in the world exactly like us.
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