Motivation

 Getting in shape starts with taking that first step. First set some realistic goals. There is nothing worse that setting too high of a goal in an unrealistic time frame to make you give up before you start seeing progress. Decide if it is a fitness goal, weight loss or just looking better in the mirror. This is going to make a difference on how you set up your program.

Find a good trainer or friends to work out with to make it fun. Surround yourself with positive influences. Take a before picture, measure your weight and if you have access take your bodyfat percentage. If you have a gym membership, a trainer should be able to help you with your bodyfat percentage or there are scales that now have the capability to give you a good estimate.

Do not get obsessed with just measuring your weight. If you are building muscle your weight will increase. Remember to look at the entire picture. Sometimes the true measure is looking right back at you in the mirror. Chart your progress on a weekly and monthly basis. Depending on your current fitness, your progress may change faster or slower than others.

Once you have decided on your goals do some research on the best program for you. Remember the best program is one that fits into your current lifestyle and does not totally disrupt it. Any program that is too restrictive is going to be too difficult to follow for very long. Remember you will need to make some life changes to improve your current fitness level. Small incremental changes will be sustainable over the long haul.

Working out does not have to be work. The first set is finding activities that get you moving and exercising on a regular basis. If you need help setting up a program to start achieving your fitness goals feel free to contact me.

Strategy

     When it comes to improving your fitness there are many strategies that you can implement. If you are training for an athletic competition, trying to lose weight or would just like to look better in a swimsuit there a many different ways to get there. The question is about time and effort. Do you want to turn your life upside down to do it fast or would you prefer the slow and steady approach.

In my opinion because I have used both strategies, slow and steady is more achievable and easier to stick to. Getting in shape does not require hours working out in a gym 7 days a week. I have found that the consistency and intensity out weigh duration. Do not get me wrong, you will have to amp up your intensity in order to get in and out of the gym.