If you go to the gym around the end of the year, you will not find a living soul in there. The reason is that there are people who think that December means eating and slouching all day long. Then they come back in January, with feelings of guilt, and the gyms get loaded back with people trying to lose the pounds they gained during the holidays. However, you can make the difference and start working right away for that better version of yourself. No need to wait for the new year when you can step out of your comfort zone and start working towards a fit lifestyle!
What is fitness anyway? Sascha Fitness, a fitness guru, a mother, and Reebok’s ambassador describes it as “a marriage between good nutrition and physical activity.” When it comes to exercise, weight lifting will be necessary to help you build muscle, stay toned, and it will speed up your metabolism as well. Even in your sleep you will be burning calories. Therefore, you can make your body a fat burning machine if you lift!
What is fitness anyway? Sascha Fitness, a fitness guru, a mother, and Reebok’s ambassador describes it as “a marriage between good nutrition and physical activity.” When it comes to exercise, weight lifting will be necessary to help you build muscle, stay toned, and it will speed up your metabolism as well. Even in your sleep you will be burning calories. Therefore, you can make your body a fat burning machine if you lift!
Cardio should also be included in your routine since it will get your heart rate up, and it will help you lose fat. It is important to point out that cardiovascular resistance is not only needed for aesthetic purposes. Strengthening your heart is vital for good health more than anything.
Staying physically active enhances your self-esteem, boosts your confidence, your strength, discipline, and health! Now, if you want to work hard for your desired physique, you can only do it one day at time. Set a fitness goal, stay committed to it, plan your meals and workout routines, and you will make it. It will take considerable time, effort, and dedication though. No excuses, you can always make time for exercise. Maybe you can challenge yourself deciding to wake up earlier, before school, to go to the gym. You should also try healthier food alternatives such as delicious oatmeal pancakes with peanut butter for breakfast.
But, where to start? Take the stairs instead of the elevator, read your food labels, sign up to the gym. You do not have to starve yourself or eat yucky foods in order to be healthy. Take advantage of the myriad of resources online that will be incredibly helpful to you.
Staying physically active enhances your self-esteem, boosts your confidence, your strength, discipline, and health! Now, if you want to work hard for your desired physique, you can only do it one day at time. Set a fitness goal, stay committed to it, plan your meals and workout routines, and you will make it. It will take considerable time, effort, and dedication though. No excuses, you can always make time for exercise. Maybe you can challenge yourself deciding to wake up earlier, before school, to go to the gym. You should also try healthier food alternatives such as delicious oatmeal pancakes with peanut butter for breakfast.
But, where to start? Take the stairs instead of the elevator, read your food labels, sign up to the gym. You do not have to starve yourself or eat yucky foods in order to be healthy. Take advantage of the myriad of resources online that will be incredibly helpful to you.
To help you get started, I have some websites that you will find very informative and useful to start your fitness journey. The must-see youtube channels are Sascha Fitness T.V and Flavia del Monte (for the girls), and Dickerson Ross and Scott Herman Fitness (for the guys). My favorite “fitness ambassador” is Ms. Sascha Barboza. Visit her website atsaschafitness.com or follow her on instagram; she posts delicious recipes, like healthy chocolate chip pancakes, her own workout video routines, experiences, advice, etc. In addition, I highly recommend simplyshredded.com for more recipes, workout routines, amazing fitness tips, numerous testimonials, and articles you will enjoy.
So dear reader, you can end the year and begin 2015 with the right foot. Do your own research, make your plan to achieve your fitness goals. Ask Santa for sportswear, a whey protein bottle, and some willpower to transform your lifestyle for good. A balanced nutrition will contribute to your health, and it will also help you lose sizes. Now exercise will give you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. Remember you get out what you put in. Give it a try, who knows, you might fall in love with this lifestyle as much as I have. Maria Luisa Cepeda |