In 2018, one of my multiple goals was to finally start my fitness journey. It has been seventeen days since I have started my fitness journey, and although it’s only been just over three weeks, I have never felt more confident with myself. Here are 10 tips to stay confident, healthy and happy in 2018!
1. Why are YOU doing this?
Make sure that this is something YOU want to do. As well, make sure you are starting your fitness journey for the right reasons. I am not starting this fitness journey to specifically lose weight; I am doing it to build muscle and become a stronger runner. Focus on building your body up, not tearing it down.
2. Make smaller goals!
One week, try drinking more water, or another week, go to the gym every other day. Your lifestyle won’t change in an instant, so you’re going to want to ease yourself into this journey. Don’t be overambitious, you can’t show up to a 10k marathon without any training.
3. Make sure your outfit is on point!
When you look good, you feel good. The same goes when you are going to the gym. If you feel more confident, you will be able to perform better. So, lay out some workout clothes the night before, so you are ready to go the next day to do and feel your best!
4. Find your favourite exercise!
There are multiple ways to work out, such as going to the gym, playing sports, attending workout classes, and much more. So, go experiment and try different types of physical activity. Find one that you really like, so when it is time to go be active for the day you will be looking forward to it.
5. Throw your scale in the closet!
Yes, it is okay to weigh yourself occasionally, but I wouldn’t suggest it every day. When you start working out more, your body will gain muscle which will add extra weight to the scale. This is a good type of weight, and your scale will not realize it as such, and you may not realize it either.
6. Healthy food is yummy too!
Not all healthy food is gross, I promise. Search healthy meal recipes on Pinterest and you will be amazed by the number of recipes you find. It is always great to eat healthily, but remember you will get those cravings here and there. My favourite junk food would have to be chocolate, so when I am grocery shopping, I always pick up a small bar of either milk or dark chocolate. This way, when I do have those cravings, I can satisfy them without going overboard and caving into a late-night McDonald’s run.
7. Drink more water!
Put down the sugary energy drinks and start drinking water. Water is amazing for you and can offer you several health benefits that will help you on your fitness journey.
8. Find a friend!
It is not always easy to start something new. With a friend, it can be easier. Find a friend who is also considering starting their fitness journey, and you can do it together. It is always nice to have that extra support.
9. Don’t stop or get discouraged!
Okay, so you start your day off hungover and really want some McDonald’s breakfast, and skip your morning yoga… SO WHAT? Don’t let this stop your journey. You are not a robot, and it’s impossible to be perfect, so don’t let a minor lapse in judgement deter you from accomplishing your goals. Also, if this does happen, a little trick I use is that instead of saying I had a bad day, I had a bad morning, which leaves you the entire rest of your day to make it yours and make it the best afternoon/evening you have ever had.
10. Progress
It is day 17 in my fitness journey, and my body looks pretty much the same as when I started. The changes that happen when you start a fitness journey are not always obvious. Today I feel stronger, healthier, more energetic, and happier than I did 17 days ago. The progress will come, just not always in ways that you would expect to see it.