So it’s that time of year again … No more bulky sweaters and sweatpants to hide the extra lbs that you put on over the winter. Now is the time to start a workout program or get back into shape, and yes, “round” is a shape, but not the one we’re going for.
At the first of the year, most gyms were jam packed with newbies, claiming to start off the new year on track. But anyone who has been a member at a gym knows, after 2-3 months, the newbies are not training anymore.
You can make it simple or take it to a new level, the question is, what are your goals? Lets start with simple shall we:
How about 3 to 4 days a week you start walking for 30 minutes around your neighborhood.
I suggest either early in the morning or after diner, before you hit the couch..
Grab your husband, wife, kids or dog and make it part of your day. You will feel better and probably shed a couple of pounds..
Okay, on to the next level: make a commitment and join a gym or fitness facility. Drag a friend with you and make it fun. Make sure you learn how to use all the machines and cardio equipment before you start. A personal trainer can assist you in getting acclimated and help you through the fears of beginning a new exercise program. Remember, most people at the gym won’t even know you’re there. They are focused on their own training and usually have some type of headset on. And remember, everyone, was at one time, a newbie. One more bit of advice, surround yourself with people who have similar goals and make healthy choices. You don’t want to eat and socialize with others who do not share the same goals. You are going to have to say NO to some friends who are not on the same page as you and your fitness goals.
Men and women should incorporate both weights and cardio into their programs. Take a look around and see who resembles the look you desire. Watch them and how they train and take some mental notes and follow a similar workout. If you feel brave, inquire, they may actually share some of their secrets. FYI, there really are no true “secrets”; if you train hard and watch what you eat, you will get results. And, to all the women out there who say, “I don’t want to get bulky and have too much muscle”, please, believe me, you won’t. Unless you are taking steroids and HGH, you have NO SHOT of getting bulky.
Lastly, and just as importantly, your nutritional plan should be revamped. The old saying, you are what you eat, is very true. I’m not here to tell you that you can’t eat some of the foods you like. But, you will have to say no to many of the fattening foods that you enjoy. There are many great recipes out there to help you out of your comfort zone. I had a baked salmon dish the other night that was amazing, and I am not a huge fish eater. Remember, you get the best results when you train the hardest. There is no secret pill and no easy way to get into shape. It can be done, if you want it badly enough… Life is better and easier when you’re in shape.
Contributed by Mark O’Donnell, Guest Writer
Mark, President of Cougar Fitness