I want to get fitter...how do I start?
Yesterday we recommended that you should stop thinking about "losing weight" and start thinking "getting fitter".
By using this approach, you will avoid all those awful "go on a diet" issues and you will lose weight as your fitness improves over time. What's more, you will enjoy the process much more because you will be judging success on a variety of things, rather than just the dreaded scales!
However, many people still view "weight" and "fitness" as two completely different things, to be tackled in different ways. If you want to lose weight, then go on a diet. If you want to get fit, then join a gym or a sports club...
Of course, this view is just wrong!
Anyone can lead a healthy lifestyle, however busy or unmotivated you are at the moment. Being "fit" is not something that only people who run marathons or play football five times a week can be...people who do that are likely to be more in the "superfit" category. Achieving a good level of fitness is something we can ALL do by adjusting our daily routines and habits...and that will include our approach to eating and drinking as well. If you get more active and take more notice of what you eat, then you'll be well on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
So, if you are one of those people who want to get fitter and get all the benefits that will accrue (including the weight loss), how should you start your journey?
We've written lots of useful articles on this, and you may want to refer to these for more detailed help and advice
Don't exercise? Get the most benefit just by starting...
Why is it so HARD to start on the weight loss journey?
And here is the full list
New In 90's complete list of articles
However, one of the best ways to start is to take ten minutes out and write down a review of your day. Include what you ate yesterday, when you ate it, what activity you did (e.g. "walk from the car to the school gates or work" etc) and how much sitting you did.
Once you've done that, work out how you can re-arrange and do things differently.
Remember, the key objectives/thoughts are as follows:
Walk more...and walk briskly. Change routines to include more and longer walks! (Walking is great for fitness and creativity)
Never stay still for more than one hour - get up, stretch and walk around.(Keep moving)
Always use the hunger gauge to judge eating and quantities (Use this hunger scale)
Watch portion size (The importance of portion size)
Avoid situations where you might eat too much, or eat when you don't really need to.
Start slowly and make sure you make some sort of change every day. That will keep you motivated and energised.
If you like the sound of this approach, then download the New In 90 App (only £4.99). It will show you exactly what to do and how to change your habits and routines so you can achieve the healthy lifestyle you're looking for.
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