How to achieve your fitness goals – 10 tips for Success!

Getting the motivation to set specific fitness goals is a great first step. The important part, however, is following through with this goal and committing to a lifestyle change. Just like any other goal in life, having a fitness goal takes work and dedication. Here are ten tips to keeping a positive attitude and refusing to make excuses to quit.

1. Start Small

Trying to do too much too soon can quickly turn you off from continuing on a healthy journey. Don't start with running a half marathon one morning to jump start your body. Ease into it by maybe doing a half mile short jog and build yourself up about 10% each week. Not only will this prevent early burnout, but it will also help prevent you from getting injured and sore.

2. Make Yourself Accountable

Letting the public, or even just a close friend, know that you are going to be achieving fitness goals helps you to stay accountable. It is much more difficult to make excuses to skip a workout if you aren't expecting anyone to ask you later how it went. Although your personal training ultimately depends on your actions, having those intentions publicly known is a great motivator to get out and work.

3. Make Measurable Goals

If your goal is to lose weight, make sure to weigh yourself each week to gauge your progress. This will help you stay on track and know that you are headed in the right direction. If your goals go beyond weight loss and you are looking to gain stamina or strength, keep a record of how fast you are running or how much you are lifting and watch as you progress throughout the weeks.

4. Create Healthy Habits

Make sure your healthy lifestyle goes beyond the gym. Make a diet plan of fresh, whole foods that works for your schedule. Take some time on Sundays to prep fresh food for the week and portion it out so you can grab it on the go. Some great, filling snacks to always keep on you are almonds, apples, and carrot sticks. You can't get the most out of your exercises on a bad diet, so make sure that you are fueling your body correctly to get the most out of your workouts.

6. It will provide variety.

A good trainer will teach clients a variety of exercises in order to prevent burnout or boredom. Also, if you find that one certain exercise does not benefit you or is not on your level of expertise, a trainer can alter it to fit your physical needs. Trainers will also help to create adjustments to workouts as you progress.

7. It will provide non-judgmental support.

Trainers are highly focused on your success. They provide consistent feedback during your sessions to better yourself and help you achieve your goals. Part of a trainer's job is to help people who are looking to better themselves without making them feel judged or inadequate. Trainers help you recognize your successes and continue to motivate you.

5. Hire a Personal Trainer.

Having a personal trainer is a great way to not only keep yourself accountable but to also learn what kind of workouts are right for your body. A personal trainer can help you set your realistic goals and teach you how to exercise correctly as to not injure yourself. Personal training will also teach you proper form so the exercises you are doing are benefiting, rather than hurting, your body.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Aside from giving your body proper fuel to workout, you also need to give your body proper rest. Not only will physical activity seem daunting when you are tired, but you won't get the most out of your workout.

Sleep is crucial for energy and muscle recovery, so give your body a chance to restore itself for 7-9 hours each night. Keep your bed sacred for sleeping by turning off all electronics before getting into bed and sleeping in a dark, quiet, cool room.

7. Reward Yourself

Once you meet each goal, reward yourself. Hopefully not involving food, let yourself watch some television that you have saved up, or set aside some time to read a good book. Have something to look forward to once you achieve your goals so you are more motivated to follow through with them.

8. Have a Time Frame

Give yourself a certain amount of time before you want your goals achieved. Do you want to lose 20 pounds in six months? Great, then keep that as a deadline to achieve your goal and stick to it. This will prevent you from avoiding beginning your fitness journey because time will start to fly by.

9. Bring a Friend

Make working out fun! Grab a good friend to work out with you so it can be a social occasion as well as a healthy workout. Maybe your friend can even teach you some new exercises you didn't know before that can further widen your fitness regimen.

10. Mix it Up

Don't get bored with the same exercise over and over. Find something you love and really look forward to so that working out can be fun. Join a kickball team or go hiking, anything that you may enjoy doing and possibly make you forget you are exercising in the process.