Getting into shape and reaching your fitness goal can get difficult at times, but that’s never to say that it can’t be done. Countless people are able to stay active all the time, and there’s nothing to stop you from doing so as well. Here are some great tips to make exercise a way of life.

1. 10 Tips For Getting Into
the “Fitness” Mindset
By Matthew Ludwick

2. 1. Be consistent
If you can stay consistent, even if it
isn’t anything more than walking a
mile every day, then you’ll be able
to maintain a successful weight-
loss regimen. Many people who
have lost weight say that the secret
was doing it every single day; if you
can’t keep at it then even the best
exercise program will be worthless.

3. 2. Follow an effective exercise routine
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently surveyed 1,000 ACE-certified personal trainers about the best
techniques for getting fit.
Their top three suggestions were 1) interval training (switching between speeds and intensities for your workout),
2) strength training (not more than a couple times a week), and 3) increased cardio-aerobic exercise (60 minutes
or more a day).

4. 3. Be realistic
If you strive for an impossible goal,
then you’ll end up getting discouraged
and won’t be able to complete your
regimen. Instead, try to focus on
increasing healthy behaviors; don’t
worry if you can’t run a 5K, just make it
a habit to walk 15 minutes a day and
from there continue to add time,
distance and intensity to your workout.

5. 4. Use a buddy system
Find a friend or family member
you trust that also wants to
establish a healthier lifestyle. Use
this as an opportunity to
encourage each other, enjoy each
other’s company and strengthen
your relationship.

6. 5. Accommodate your life
If you have a busy schedule that makes it too hard for you to regularly go
to the gym, then find a plan that can fit your lifestyle. You don’t need fancy
exercise gear and gyms to get fit.
If you’ve got floor space, for example, just try simple floor exercises to
target various parts of the body, and aim for 10-12 repetitions of each
exercise.

7. 6. Be happy
Make sure that you pick an activity that you actually enjoy doing; if you
hate doing a workout, then you’ll be less likely to want to keep doing it. In
that same vein, choose something that’s convenient for you.

8. 7. Watch the clock
Keep an eye on your body clock, and
work out whenever you have the most
energy. If you’re a morning person,
schedule your activity during the
morning, and if you’re more of a night-
owl, schedule your workout for later in
the day.

9. 8. Ask a pro
When you’re first getting
started, it might be a good
idea to have a professional
assess what types of
exercise you need most.

10. 9. Find inspiration
Fitness really is a state of mind. To stay motivated,
listen to other people talking about their successes.

11. 10. Be patient
You need to realize that there
will always be ups, downs,
victories, setbacks and plateaus.
So be patient, don’t give up and
you’ll start to see some solid
results.