How To Get Back In Shape?
By: Kayla Walsh
Tags: Health, Nutrition, Exercise, Fitness, Workout

Step 1: Get Your Mind Right

The first part of getting back into shape is conditioning your mind to get back into shape; you need to understand your motivation for getting back in shape. This step is usually overlooked by many, but it is the most important step to getting back in shape. Comedian and actress Rebel Wilson successfully lost over 60 after failing several times prior. But what made this time different for her? Well, according to her, she started with a mindset change. She prepared her mind for the journey.

How do I get my mindset right?

To get your mindset right for your fitness journey, you must first figure out your “WHY”. Your “WHY” is your reason; your motivation for wanting to get healthy and get back in shape. Why is this an important step? Well, when things get tough (and they will get tough) on those days when you do not feel like eating right and doing your exercises your “WHY” will keep you going and pushing towards your goal.

Once you’ve identified your “WHY”, your next step will be to determine the negative lifestyle behaviors that have brought you to the point you are now (where you are out of shape). This exercise will require you to examine and write down your current behaviors towards food and exercise, then you will examine how those behaviors are impacting your life (what effects it is having on your relationships, your emotional state, your finances and your spirituality). This exercise will require you to think, deeply, how your behavior is impacting your life. Lastly, you will think about changes you can make and the benefits it will have on the various aspects of your life. Then you will determine how you can replace your negative behaviors with positive behaviors that will support your new life goals.

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Step 2: Write Down Your Goals

The next step will be to write down your goals. You can use the S.M.A.R.T Fitness Goal Model to help you with your goals.

S — Make your goals specific and clear.

M — Making your goals measurable, so you can track your progress

A — Make your goals attainable. Set goals that you can achieve.

R — You goals must be relevant to where you are at the moment and what you are striving to achieve at this moment.

T — Set a deadline to achieve your goals because a time limit motivates you to take action.

Now that you have an idea how to set your goals, you should create your goals for the next 30, 60, and 90 days.

Step 3: Create a Concrete Plan

After you determine your goals, your next step will be to create a concrete plan to move forward on your fitness journey. Try to be as specific as possible when creating a plan. This plan will include your nutrition plan along with your exercise plan. When creating your plan make sure to make provision for you to consume lots of water in your diet and get lots of sleep (aim to get at least 6 hours of sleep every day).

*** Before starting any workout routine please seek advice from your doctor.

Step 4: Implement your Plan

Now that you have your plan, it is time to implement your plan. Start off slow and gradually build up to your target. Everyday make sure your exercise level and daily dietary intake choices are consistent with your plan and goal. Be mindful of what you put in your mouth and your activity level.

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Step 5: Evaluate your Progress

Evaluate your progress when you reach each milestone outlined in your plan. This step is very important because it allows you to review your progress and see if you are hitting your goals.

Once I figured out how to get back in shape, it is up to you to make the daily choices to achieve your goals. When you are disciplined you will see the results of your efforts. The process may not be easy, but the process is simple. So, take the step today to get back in shape.