Wanting to get into shape can bring so many emotions. It’s frustrating and exciting all at once. There are so many gimmicks out there, especially the first of the year when we all make our New Year’s resolutions. Do your research, don’t go out and buy a home gym because ” this is the year” to get into shape.
So amongst all the white noise, how does one get in shape fast, cheap, and relatively easy?
You’ll never regret working out. You really cannot get into shape without working out. It also keeps you healthy, attractive, and mentally sharp.
You don’t need the luxury of a gym membership to get fit, but you do need a balanced routine consisting of these of fitness:
Cardio
Cardio workouts are one of the best ways to burn calories and ultimately end up dropping off extra pounds. It encourages heart health, proper blood circulation, and a lean body. Everyone should aim for at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity, most days of the week in order to keep heart disease and extra bodyweight down. If you are looking to get really lose weight, consider a full hour. But you just don’t need a gym. Try walking and jogging outdoors. And yes, mowing the lawn, and gardening are all examples of things that “count”. Try a fitness counter to keep track of “steps” and you will be surprised how easy it is to get to your goal.
Strength Training
Strength training is a must, no matter if your fitness goal is. Adding strength training workouts to your routine 3-4 days a week will increase your metabolism, strength, and bone density, and help you lean out or gain mass, depending on the weight and reps that you use.
You don’t need a gym for strength training, either. Bodyweight exercises are sometimes even more challenging than those using machines or dumbbells. What you do need is a strength training routine that works muscles in a way that will help you avoid injury while you develop proportionate, lean muscles.
Flexibility 
Flexibility is super important especially as we age. It’s essential to maintaining a high quality of life…and a healthy body weight. If stretching is not your thing, it may be easier to stick to; yoga or Pilates.
Eating well to get into shape; tricks and tips to drop pounds faster
When it comes to getting fit, eating healthily is just as important as working out. Cut out refined foods and fast foods. Period.
Refined foods are horrid for your health and they aren’t going to help you when it comes to getting back into shape, either. Choose fresh foods over boxed or packaged ones, and whenever time allows, cook your meals from scratch. Make this change and you will likely notice an immediate drop in body weight.
Eat multiple, small, preplanned meals
When you eat small meals every few hours, you keep your metabolism high. Preplanning meals helps you make smart diet decisions and avoid situations where you find yourself either munching all the way through making dinner stopping at the store hungry and buying all the wrong things.
There are many diet plans out there that have you cut one thing or another. But for your body to function properly its necessary to stick to the recommended 60% carbohydrates, 20% proteins, and 20% fats, or close to it.
Track calories- You always are eating more than you think
Using a food log is a good way to get an idea of whether or not you are creating a caloric deficit and whether or not you are eating a balanced diet. For even further insight into the calories consumed, calories burned equation, consider investing in a calorie counting weight management device to help you stay motivated towards your goals. Try a calorie counter app.
Try to stick to something easy so you can make a life change
Whatever you do, stay away from fad diets. You may lose weight in the short term but you are far more likely to gain once you’re finished with any drastic fad diet plans. “Diets” don’t work; healthy lifestyle changes do.
If you buy into anything at all, buy into a healthy lifestyle that you can sustain. Keep this in mind; if you cannot maintain whatever it is that is helping you drop weight, you will not be able to maintain your weight loss or your fitness progress.
