Way of Life

Way of Life

If you talk to several personal trainers, each will have a slightly different philosophy on fitness and different training style. Trainers all agree, however, that a fitness program needs to be a way of life in order for you to gain the benefits of being fit. Here are a few other general tips that trainers agree can help make “fitness as a way of life” a reality:
? Start smart. Start your program easy and progress slowly. Even seasoned athletes must do this if they take a break from their training or are recovering from an injury.
? Stay hydrated. You can never drink too much water. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages, especially before, during, and after a workout. These liquid refreshments will dehydrate you. Sports drinks can be okay as a supplement for hydration, but they do not replace water.
? Eat well. Instead of a faddish diet promoted for rapid weight loss, weave a healthy,well-balanced diet into your life. Food fuels your body when you are working out.
? Make working out convenient. Join a gym or take a class near your home or workplace. Get home workout equipment. Pick a time of day for your workout that fits into your schedule. You won’t work out if it is inconvenient.
? Work out with a friend. Find a training buddy if you can. A buddy with a similar goal—to get fit—provides camaraderie and motivation.
? Keep a training log. Use a training log or notebook to keep track of your workouts and your food intake. This can help you figure out when you have the most energy and when you are tired.
? Mix things up. If you do the exact same workout every day, you might get bored and in a rut. Variety is good for building up different muscles and helps prevent injuries.
? Reward yourself. Treat yourself to something special when you reach your goals. Set incremental goals so your ultimate goal does not seem unreachable.
? Vary your lifting. If you reach a plateau in your strength training, work with an eccentric-contraction routine, also called “negative repetitions,” see the accompanying Fit Tip sidebar for a suggestion.
? Have fun. Last but by far not least, make working out fun! Being fit makes you feel better physically and mentally. When it is fun, you will do it more readily.