Before saying anything else, I have a confession to make: I AM A COUCH POTATO. Every day, I have to fight the urge to stay home and watch TV until my feet go numb and my eyes turn red. In my opinion, this seemed normal because I have been pretty sedentary my entire life. It wasn't until I took P.E. my senior year of high school that I could experience all the benefits of exercising regularly.
In an effort to become active again, I have committed to a new lifestyle. Hopefully, we can start it together! I believe a stable workout routine will help us enter college with a healthier mindset and lifestyle. Who knows? It might even help with the "Freshman 15." Here are the steps I will be following over the next months:
1. Write out your reasons.
It is primordial that you determine what prompted you to change your lifestyle. That way, you have something specific to think about whenever you feel like you can't go on anymore.
2. Ask yourself what it is that you want to accomplish.
Do you want to lose weight or build muscle? Do you just want a healthier looking body or the physique of a body sculptor?
3. Set realistic goals.
This is crucial because it makes it easier to accommodate to this new lifestyle without feeling frustrated.
4. Set measurable goals.
You'll be able keep track of your progress. Seeing the results will motivate you to do more and do better!
5. Start with exercises that you can do at home.
Let's be real here. It is already hard to get ourselves to exercise. We don't need to make it even harder by having to find extra-extra energy to get ourselves to do it outside.
6. Make a schedule.
Set a schedule for yourself and make sure that you stick to it. Hold yourself accountable. You can include several things such as the times you go to the gym or a fitness class or even your meal plans.
7. Add outdoor workouts to your routine.
This will not only help you by adding a greater variety of choices but it will also help you by boosting your mental health!
8. Revisit your schedule.
Our bodies adapt at a phenomenal pace. That's a great thing, but it also means that you have to keep changing the intensity, frequency and time of your workouts in order to improve. Remember that it is the extra mile that counts!
9. Surround yourself with reminders.
First, choose your favorite pro-fitness quotes. Second, set them as the background of your phone and computer. Third, print some of them out and stick them on your bathroom mirror and on the back of your remote control.
10. Set VISUAL goals.
I haven't tried this one yet, but my cousin swears by it! The idea is for you to hang an outfit that you wish to look good in above your bed headboard. Every day, you'll have that outfit to remind you that your determination will pay off!
11. Reward yourself.
Once you've achieved a short-term goal, you can reward yourself by buying new gear and equipment!
12. Have a positive mindset!
As you go through these steps, make sure that you're not so hard on yourself. If you fail, don't beat yourself up over it. Pick up your running shoes, remind yourself of your fitness goals and how you're working on achieving better health!
Well, I hope these steps can make the transition out of the sofa easier, whether you start next week or in a few more months!
