Have you ever seen someone in good shape or completely killing a workout and thought to yourself, “How do they do that?” or even, “How can I get there?”
Chances are, if you ask a majority of fit people, they will tell you it takes discipline and consistency. We are not talking about a quick fix; we’re talking about a lifestyle change. Good, healthy habits that are continually maintained.
Here are several habits that can get you going on the right track.
1. Schedule your workout. Just like you would a doctor’s appointment or your kid’s soccer practice, make this a commitment. This should not be an afterthought or something that happens only if you have time left at the end of the day. If we don’t make time for something, it won’t get done.
2. Plan ahead for meals. This does not mean you have to go to the extreme of prepping all your meals and counting macronutrients. That can be very beneficial, depending on your goals and time constraints. However, the main point is to have healthy options on hand. Keeping your fridge and lunch box stocked with good, healthy eats can help you avoid standing in a fast-food line.
3. Get to bed early. The recommended amount from experts is eight hours a night. Research suggests sleep helps regulate and control hunger levels and is ideal for muscle cell growth and repair. You’ll have more energy throughout the day and the ability to perform better in high-intensity workouts.
4. Keep a water bottle on hand. We all know drinking water is “good for us,” but did you know it has fitness-boosting benefits? Research suggests drinking 16 ounces of water in one sitting will boost metabolism by 24 percent for up to 90 minutes after consumption. It has also been found that muscle cells grow faster when they are well-hydrated. Some of the top fitness gurus and athletes drink at least a gallon of water per day.
5. Don’t skip breakfast. How many of us are guilty of replacing breakfast with a few cups of coffee? I know I’ve been there before. It might sound appealing if you’re looking for a calorie deficit to lose weight, but it’s certainly not ideal. Skipping meals will only slow your metabolism. After a long night without food, your body needs that fuel to kick-start your metabolism and get you energy for the day.
Exchanging bad habits for good ones is not an easy task. It takes time. Some people might have the discipline to change overnight, but a good majority will need time to learn and adjust. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t master these overnight. In my own experience, several of these habits have taken years to become second nature. The good news is, if you keep at it eventually it won’t be something you even have to think about. You’ll just do it!
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