We all know the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes getting fit can seem so daunting that we don’t even try. On the flip side, it can also be tempting to dive right into a vigorous fitness regiment that ends up causing you injury or just plain exhausts you. If you’re struggling to find the time to work fitness into your life, don’t worry. Here are some tips to get you started on a fitness routine you can manage:

Set short and long-term goals

Too often, we fall off the fitness wagon because we set ambitious long-term goals. While long-term goals are great to get you motivated and out the door, it’s also important to set short-term goals. Start with weekly goals. They can be as simple as “work out 20 minutes a day, three days this week.” Tell other people about your goal(s) to keep yourself accountable, and let them know when you meet your goal. It’s also a good idea to set a goal for each workout, which can be as simple as “get through at least 30 minutes of this yoga DVD before calling it quits.” Be reasonable with yourself based on your current fitness level and any distractions that might come up like kids needing you or your availability. You won’t get very far if you set unrealistic expectations for your fitness.

Start small

Being fit doesn’t mean you need to dedicate your whole life to exercise. Start small to get your body used to your new exercise routine. Just 15-20 minutes a day will make a difference if you are starting from a point of no exercise. Adding in a short walk before or after dinner is one way to get used to moving more. Alternate quick walking or even jogging with slower walking to elevate your heart rate without over-exerting yourself. Other good options include bike riding, swimming, and yoga. These are low impact activities that will help you get in shape without risking injury on your joints.

Find something you enjoy

Let’s face it. You aren’t going to commit to a fitness lifestyle if you hate exercising, which is why it’s important to find something you actually enjoy doing. A lot of gyms offer a free trial membership, which is a great way to try different exercise classes. If you prefer to get outside, find something outdoors that you can do that is enjoyable. Running can be difficult, but walking can be enjoyable, especially outdoors in nice weather. Fitness DVDs can also give you a range of workouts all from the comfort of your home and are a good option for people who can’t afford a gym or just don’t want to deal with other people while working out.

Buddy up

Finding someone to share your fitness journey with is important to stay motivated, committed, and accountable. If you have a friend who is also trying to get fit then get him/her on board by setting up exercise dates either at the gym, a park, or just at one of your homes. You’ll be much more likely to show up for a workout instead of happy hour if you know you have a friend waiting for you, and you’ll probably feel so good after your workout that you’ll skip happy hour drinks for a healthier smoothie or just plain water.

Everyday steps

If you’re struggling to find a 20 minute block of time everyday to work out, then just start adding small workouts into your day. You probably already have heard to take the stairs instead of the elevator, but step it up a notch by going up and down the stairs 5-10 times on your lunch break or just when you need to step away from your desk. Pick up the pace when you’re walking home or to the store to boost your heart rate and calorie burn. Get off the train a stop or two early to get a few extra minutes of walking in before and after work. All of these activities add up to the equivalent of a workout, and adding in extra activity throughout your day can actually keep your metabolism up and elevate your calorie burn.

Invest in good shoes

If you are going to take any (or all) of the above advice, you are going to need some good shoes. Take some time and money to invest in a pair that will help you achieve your fitness goals. Even if your flats feel good on your feet while you’re walking, your posture and the bottom of your feet can suffer when you try to do too much on shoes that just aren’t meant for walking/running/stair climbing.

Take care of your body

Fitness is more than just a diet or a fad. It’s a lifestyle, and that means taking care of your body even when you aren’t working out. Drink at least 8 glasses of water (more when it is hot out and/or when you are doing long workouts), eat whole foods (including fresh fruits and vegetables and anything that doesn’t come out of a box), and practice relaxation and mindfulness.
When your body is properly fueled and your mind is clear of negativity, you will achieve total body fitness. Massage and aromatherapy will help you clear your mind and ease tension all over your body. Thai massage as offered by Castle Thai Spa specifically works to improve circulation, increase flexibility, and release stress. Thai massage can help you elevate your fitness to the next level by helping your muscles rest and recover so they are ready for your next workout. To make an appointment or see how Thai massage can help you boost your fitness, contact us today.