Beginners Guide To Getting Fit
So you woke up this morning and took a long hard look at yourself.
You've decided that you want change but you have no idea where to start.
Luckily for you, we have all been there (usually more than once).
So, maybe things haven't always worked out in the past but this time is going to be different.
You feel more committed than ever and nothing is going to stop you this time.
As I said, we have all been there and the first thing we do is jump onto google and search "How to get fit"or "Get fit quick" and hopefully that's how you found this blog (along with 10 billion others). Most sites will tell you that you will be looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger after spending 15 minutes reading their post. This is obviously NOT TRUE, we can give you the knowledge but fitness requires Commitment, Patience & Hard Work. So, if you're still interested, let's get to it.
LET'S GO
Remember the last time you tried this? The last time you set a goal and didn't achieve it?
Let's think about how much success you had? why did you fail? well, whatever you were doing, it obviously didn't work for you.
There is NO POINT in using the same method as you did last time. It didn't work for you then and its not going to work for you now. If you do the same thing over and over, you will keep on getting the same results.
No matter what you have tried before, whether its running, boxing, starving or restricting yourself to certain foods...... It didn't work for YOU. Things like this may work for other people but everyone is different and it's important to find the right program to suit you.
Our 3 main keys to success are:
Motivation / Inspiration - Why are you doing this?
Education - How are you going to do it?
Support - We all need support through tough times and if you want to succeed, believe me... it's going to be tough.
Now you know the secret. Our aim is combine these 3 rules to help you look and feel better than ever
MOTIVATION & INSPIRATION
What is your motivation? Why do you want to get fit so badly?
To pick up hotter guys / girls?
Worried about your health?
Jealous of a friend (or enemy)?
Fed up with the way you look?
To prove to everyone that you can do it?
Are you heading to Ibiza or Marbella this summer?
Whatever your reason is, just make sure you have one or it makes it ALOT harder to stay committed. Make a quote and frame it! Just remember why you're working so hard and ensure that you're motivation is always on your mind.
What has inspired you?
Have you been reading success stories?
Have you watched some motivational Youtube video's?
Have you visited a fitness event?
Inspiration is perfect for re-visiting when you're having a hard day or feeling unmotivated. You can always go back and re-read your success story or re-watch the youtube video to give you that extra boost of motivation.
EDUCATION
The important part..... here is where you decide exactly what you are hoping to achieve so that you can put a plan in place to help you reach your goal.
Write down your goals and plan exactly how you will reach them.
Set deadlines and be strict, write it on your calendar.
Remember that you have to be patient and you will not transform overnight. Also understand that this is a change of lifestyle change and not just a temporary fix. Know that there is no such thing as 'going on a diet'. Your diet is what you eat and drink on a day to day basis.
So, you've tried this before and not succeeded. It's extremely important to identify why you failed. This may have been because you didn't see results and gave up or maybe you were just scared of hard work.
Be clever and learn from this. Think of ways you can avoid or deal with these negatives. For example, finding a way to keep yourself motivated before you start.
Next up, your Diet. No matter how hard you work, if your diet isn't right then you'll never achieve the goals you're hoping for. If you want to get fit and healthy then your diet is the most important thing. You are never going to out-train a bad diet. Personally, I find this the hardest part of getting (and staying) fit. What you eat is responsible for around 80% of your
success.
(we will soon be releasing a blog on preparing a healthy diet)
People often try to make too many changes all at once and this is where most people fail within the first couple of weeks. You'll naturally want to run back to all the junk food if drop it out all at once. My advice would be to gradually change you're diet. I would try to ban certain foods week by week for example:
Week 1 - Say goodbye to cake and chocolate
Week 2 - No more fizzy drinks
Week 3 - Cut out sugar by 50%
Of course this may change depending on what you are trying to achieve. If you are trying to bulk up then you wouldn't have to worry about cutting your calories but you might set yourself small goals, like eating an extra 1000 calories everyday.
Like I said before, you will not see a difference overnight but these little changes make a huge difference.
To help you stay motivated, it's always a good idea to find a sport or activity you enjoy. Make sure that you're doing it right and giving it 100% to help you achieve greatness.
Aswell as the activities you know, why not try out something new. There are so many clubs and classes out there for you to try such as Pole Dancing, Climbing, Yoga and much more. There's no pressure to stay, just give it a try. You may fond something that you really enjoy and it will make you're healthy lifestyle much easier.
There's many more perks to being healthy then just looking great. Regular exercise also helps your mind stay active and focused, it helps you get a better nights sleep and strengthens your heart.
Summary
Determine exactly what your goals are and find a way to keep yourself motivated.
Identify why you failed in the past and how you can prevent it happening again.
Gradually change your diet. After all, it's a life long change.
Pick a sport or activity that makes you happy and do it... LOTS OF IT.
Don't be afraid to try something new.
SUPPORT
Although there are plenty of individual sports & activities out there, its always nice to have a partner in crime.
A great way to help you succeed is by telling everyone you know about your mission to become the next Dwayne Jhonson (The Rock). This way you will be motivated by the dear if embarrassment if you fail. Nobody like to be called a quitter so when you think about skipping the odd workout you will remember that everyone is waiting to see you fail.
If that doesn't help you then try making bets, if there's anything I hate more than being called a quitter, it's losing money!! Try making a bet with friends or family that you will be in amazing shape by the end of the year. Tell them you will give them £250 if you haven't achieved your goal by the deadline. I'm sure this way you will be more than motivated to get down to the gym.
Join online forums, they are a great place to connect with people doing the same as you. They are always full of tips and tricks to help you out. Also, post pictures on social media of your progress, people are always amazed when they see the before and after pictures, you will often receive positive feedback which will boost your confidence and motivate you. Just remember to hashtag #TeamPowergrip so that we can see your success.
