5 Easy Steps To Get Back Into Shape

A new month is here, a new season, a new opportunity to do something different. With summer over, many of you want to get back on the training wagon and continue where you left off. Some of you might have left things off in May, while others might not have trained for a year. In fact, there might be some of you who want to start right here, right now.

Whatever the case may be, there are definitely a lot of programs out there, many diet plans, and many experts sharing their advice. Perhaps too many…However, no matter how complicated, frustrating or confusing it may get, all you need to do is start!

Step #1 – Set Your Goals

Let’s get something straight. You can’t begin anything, without realizing what you want to do. It may sound weird but it’s true. So many people don’t have a specific goal in mind or the goal is just too vague in their mind.

“I want to look better”, “I want to get fit”, “I want to change”, are definitely worthwhile thoughts but they are not goals. They are not specific enough and they won’t serve you well in your quest for fitness. On the other hand, “I want to lose weight”, “I want to build my strength” or “I want to add 15lbs” are far more specific and they are a good base to start with.

Step #2 – Consider Your Options & Resources

Alright, you have a goal. Now, it’s to consider what you have available in order to meet it. We are talking about equipment, time, space even money.

There are many options here. Do you prefer working out at home? Your home can be easily turned into a small gym with a few cheap additions, such as a couple of pairs of dumbbells, some strength bands and a few kettlebells. That’s really more than enough to get you started. If you really wanted to make an investment but you don’t want to drag yourself down to the gym, you could invest in a push sled that can provide you with a FULL body workout every time. In fact, check out the following blog for tips and tricks when it comes to the push sled!

Your second option is of course the gym. If you love the inspiration and the mental “push” you get at the gym and you don’t mind working out with many people, go for it.

And lastly, if you think that these two options are too complicated and you don’t really know where to start without much guidance and support, perhaps you should consider enrolling in a class. It might be a yoga class, a TRX class or even a Gronk Fitness Sports Interval Training class. Whatever your choice might be, all that matters is that you start somewhere.

Step #3 – Make A Plan

Now that you know what you want to do, it’ time you created a plan. Depending on your goals, there are many routes you can take to see them through.

If you are after athletic strength, endurance and performance, you are already at the right place. Check out the rest of our blogs to learn techniques, tips and tricks on how to train for a specific sport, build your performance and become the best version of yourself.

If bodybuilding and strength workouts are more your style, there are definitely many options but you should consider following channels or blogs that offer solid, effective and tested advice. Perhaps, the only non-bullshit fitness channel on Youtube is ScottHermanFitness, run by Scott Herman, trainer to many athletes and people who just want to get fit and make a body transformation. His site, MuscularStrength.com contains so much FREE advice on nutrition, supplements, exercises and routines that you might have a rough time going through it!

Lastly, while the previous two choices are appropriate for men and women, perhaps as a woman, you would feel more comfortable following a woman’s advice. A fitness personality that has recently come to our attention is Erica Fit Love who has made an amazing weight loss transformation from 320+ pounds down to 190lbs and has achieved a slim, yet very athletic physique that every modern woman is striving for.

Step #4 – Stick To Your Choice

Although there are many coaches and trainers you can follow, you definitely don’t have to follow any fitness personality to achieve your goals. Fitness is not a matter of complicacy. It’s a matter of consistency. Figure out your meal plan and your exercise plan and don’t let distractions lead you astray. As long as you realize the importance of your goals, all you have to do is figure out what your priorities are.

“For me, my number one priority every day is following my nutrition and exercise plan to increase my performance and become the best I can be. I physically and mentally cannot rest until I know I got my workout in and I nailed my meal plan down to a T” – Rob Gronkowski

Step #5 – Get Your Mind Right

Too many exercise programs out there? Too many diet plans? Too many coaches and fitness instructors? Don’t let it become complicated or overwhelming. It all comes down to your mindset. If you let all the information and misinformation overwhelm you, it’s over. Understand that consistency will get you results whereas inconsistency will get you nowhere.

So, go back to Step #1 and start over. Now is the time to start. Getting back into shape or simply getting in shape for the first time in your life is not hard. You won’t be the first nor the last one to do it. Set your goals, make a plan, stick to your plan and most importantly…get your mind right.