When embarking on a fitness journey, it is important to start at a pace that is comfortable for us. While it easy to get carried away with many fad diets and fat burning solutions that are flooding the market and the Internet, remember, there are no magic pills, diets, and workouts to help you lose weight or get fit in days or weeks.
The idea of getting quick results in a short span can be appealing, but it often comes at the cost of your health and well-being.
The only way we can be heathier and fitter at any age is by making lifestyle changes. Let’s look at some ways that can help us in our fitness journey.
Follow A Sustainable Diet
Quantified nutrition is the science behind food and its impact on the body; it means quantifying or measuring the foods that you consume. When we know exactly how much food we consume throughout the day, it helps us track calories more effectively. Quantified nutrition removes guesstimates and helps us track our caloric intake – this can make all the difference and help us achieve our fitness goals.
Incorporate A Workout Regimen
Our efforts will bring results only if we make it a combination of diet and exercise. Just following a diet without any workout, or just following a workout regime without a quantified diet is unlikely to make an impact. It is not the 80 per cent diet and 20 per cent training rule that will work, but 100 per cent diet and 100 per cent workout that will help us achieve our fitness goals.
Some of the workouts that can be incorporated and are suitable for ages include:
- Walking: It is a great way to move one’s body and get some exercise. It increases non-exercise activity thermogenesis, which is the energy expended for every task done while one is not sleeping, consuming food, or indulging in sports like activities that helps burn more calories every single day. Besides, walking is gentle on the knees and does not require any equipment. So, people of all ages can do it as a subdued form of cardio that aids in overall fitness. However, one has to be regular with it. It is a great way to begin one’s fitness journey, in case of a sedentary lifestyle.
- Strength Training: Many believe that lifting weights or strength training is only for men. The reason that is often given is that strength training would give our bodies a masculine look, making them look bulky. But this is a misconception, on the contrary, strength training is hugely beneficial for people across ages. It not only helps lose weight faster and achieve better health, but also helps gain strength and confidence.
- Push-Ups: One of the best forms of exercise, push-ups engage the entire body while targeting many muscle groups together. These include the arms, abdomen, chest, hips, and legs. There are several variations of push-ups that can be selected according to your comfort and ability.
- Squats: Yet another useful exercise, squats not only strengthen the core and the lower body muscles, but also burn fat and help lose weight. In addition to this, it can lower the risk of injury due to the strengthening of the lower body muscles.
To make the most of these workouts, it is important to follow the correct form and technique. Do not be in a rush to complete the workout – focus on each repetition!
Focus On Mental Well-Being
We are completely fit only when we have a fit body along with a fit mind. The key is to make time for ourselves and work on our mental well-being daily. Activities that help combat stress and anxiety are key. Some of these may include practising gratitude, meditation, and keeping a journal. Yoga has the added benefit of helping take care of both mental and physical wellness.
To achieve our overall fitness goals, including losing weight, the right balance of nutrients, exercise and a strong mindset is required.
