8 Simple Ways to Stay Dedicated to Your Fitness Goals

The journey of getting physically fit is a long and tedious one. It may not be easy to take out time from your hectic schedule and prepare home-cooked low-calorie meals and work out regularly. There are constant moments of self-doubt, sugar craving and demotivation. But it is about making those small yet consistent efforts that can help you stay on track and achieve your goals. Here are the top 10 simple ways in which you can remain devoted and dedicated to your fitness goals.

1. Set Goals

Goal setting is an important step towards realizing your dream. It is as helpful in your fitness journey as it is in your professional career. We suggest you start simple. It is important to slowly progress into a tougher routine. Abrupt changes in your daily life can cause unforeseen pains and injuries. Also, if you set a very ambitious goal for yourself, you might get frustrated quickly. 

If you are someone who is not in the habit of even walking to the shop down the road, start there. In case you haven’t exercised in a long while, start by exercising three days a week. Slowly increase the intensity and frequency of the workouts. 

Sometimes people focus too much on setting goals and too little on actually pursuing them. It can make the process bland and complicated. Instead, you can simplify the process by making small goals like taking the stairs instead of an elevator, increasing your number of steps in a day, not eating any junk food for at least 6 days a week, etc. Such goals are achievable and do not require too much planning so that you can get to work right away. 

A planner or a diary where you can write at the end of the day is a useful way of staying motivated. Writing down your feelings after getting on the weighing scale, or after a long workout session can motivate you in more ways than one. At times when you feel low, turning over the pages of the journal will reinstate your confidence in yourself. You can also record your daily readings to keep a track of your progress. Some people prefer using online applications over pen-and-paper. You can pick either as both are effective in their own ways. 

Dieting and exercising for a few months will help you to shed a few kilos. But to keep that weight off permanently, you will need to make conscious efforts daily. You will need to change your perspective on fitness. If you like driving everywhere, try bicycling or walking. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Keep your refrigerator stocked with fresh produce. Brew your coffee instead of buying a sugar-loaded cup from the local cafe. Limit your intake of liquid calories. Invite your friends and family for dinner at home instead of reserving a place at a fine-dining restaurant. Get a complete 8-hour of sleep. Choose to live healthier. 

You are not the only one on this difficult journey. Hundreds of people around you are struggling to get fit. So, join forces with your family members, neighbours or even a local group. When we actively participate in a common sport or work out together, the sessions become more interactive and fun. Continuous encouragement and emotional support can work wonders on both our physical as well as our mental health. It creates a sense of belonging and makes us accountable for reaching our daily goals. 

Recognize your efforts. Take time to pat yourself on the back. After each workout session, savour that feeling of content on the successful completion of another session. 

Put a ₹100 note in a jar every time you lose a kilogram. Buy yourself that gorgeous top that you had always wanted to wear. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Appreciate the path that you have had to traverse to reach this far in your journey. 

It is not necessary to stick to a strict gym regime or a set workout routine. You can also pick up your favourite sport or try your hands at something that you have wanted to do for a long time. Since most people are working from home these days, the commute time to and fro work is saved. Utilize that time for a quick jog in the morning or revisiting old days of playing basketball with your siblings in the backyard. Enrol in ballroom dancing classes and reconnect with your partner. Race with your pet in the park. Challenge your friend to a jumping rope competition. 

We always go back to things that we enjoy. So, make your workout sessions unconventional and fun!

Committing to a fitness program can benefit you if you are sceptical about starting on your own. Getting into scheduled workouts under the supervision of an expert can help you monitor your progress better. If you are unsure about the right quantity of nutrition that you need to consume in a day, visit a dietician or a nutritionist. Because of the ongoing pandemic, gyms, pools and other public places are still shut in some places. In that case, you can check out the online tutorials of different fitness coaches. Attend a few demo classes and workshops and pick the one that suits your needs. 

Sometimes your professional life can take a toll on your health. On such occasions, take a day or two off. Give your body time to heal itself. But do remember to get back on track as soon as possible!

Conclusion

Fitness goals are achieved with the right combination of balanced meals, workout sessions and motivation. If you ever feel demotivated, review these simple ways. Revisit them as many times as you need to. Share your thoughts and feelings with your loved ones so that they too, know not to push you for eating that last cupcake. If you feel hesitant about getting back on track, we can assure you that in the end, it will all be worth it!