5 TIPS TO START YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY

So, you have chosen the rocky road to become fitter? Well congratulations, we all know how hard it is and starting out on your fitness journey, but starting out really is the hardest part. So here at AroundFit we wanted to help. Here are 5 top tips to become a fitter, healthier and a scientifically proven happier you! (Well we hope so).

1. Get good sleep! Yes, the supposed miracle cure...We've all heard it all before. But, really, how many of us actually listen? Well, if you want to improve your health and fitness,you really should. According to the Sleep Foundation, the recommended number of hours of sleep for adults 26 to 64 years old is 7 to 9 hours per night. This might be a stretch for a number of you, but sleep is so important for the rest and recovery of your muscles, as well as to your exercise performance. A Stanford University study found that college football players who tried to sleep at least 10 hours a night for seven to eight weeks improved their average sprint time and had less daytime fatigue and more stamina. For current or aspiring athletes, this is pretty eye catching evidence. The results of this study also reflect previous findings seen in tennis players and swimmers. Consequently, exercise may improve the quality and amount of sleep you get per night and studies have supported this. Getting into this circle is sure to be a key to a fitter you.

2. Set SMART Targets. These are basically goals that are correct for you. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Bound). Make sure your targets are achievable and attainable as, if they're not, you are just setting yourself up for failure. “Being healthy” is a great objective, but it’s a little too vague to keep you motivated in the long run, so create short specific goals, whether it’s sleeping an hour longer, drinking a glass more water or holding an exercise for 3 more seconds. These will help you stay focused, but they are your small steps to your bigger long term goal, whatever that may be.

3. Finding your style. Don't just try one method or routine, mix it about, chop and change, keep it fresh. When you're starting out this is the best time to find what you like, and find out what you don't. Maybe Zumba is your thing, or you just want to drip like a waterfall when you exercise, you may enjoy long and hard or you may be a short and fast kinda person (this is still fitness related I promise) ... everyone's different, it's really up to you.

4. Use the Media. The media can indeed be a wonderful thing sometimes. Become a DJ and a fashion icon along the way. Using music is a great way to stay motivated and keeping your tired muscles going, creating your own playlist can also be pretty fun. Go find some tunes that get you hyped and rock out while you sweat. Fashion is also a quirky way to get you going. We feel more confident wearing our favourite clothes right? Well why don't we make it the same with exercising? Get some new gear and feel the part, it may even make you want to go out on a run especially to show off - Don't worry its ok, we all do it. And, especially girls (and us guys too) I'm sure the opportunity to go shopping will not be too disheartening.

5. Reward yourself. Yes i said it! After all of your hard work that week or if you completed all of your training session, treat yourself. This could be with some new clothes, as suggested, a smoothie or even the pleasure of just having a rest day, which is always super important. Rewarding yourself will reinforce your training and will more likely convert it into a habit. And, personally, that's one of the best habits you could form.

Got a different tip that works for you? We'd love to hear it.

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