There are few things more important in life than ensuring you are as physically healthy as possible. We are increasingly spending more time sitting down in front of computers for both work and social purposes. This means that we are getting less exercise in our day-to-day lives, so we must compensate for this by hitting the gym and keeping ourselves fit.
If you feel like you’re not quite as fit as you could be and that your strength and endurance have begun to slip, don’t despair. The guide below shares top tips if you’re looking to improve your personal fitness.
Take A personal trainer course
While exercising on your own and taking the initiative yourself is strongly encouraged, you will see even greater benefits from getting some advice and input from professionals. Consider taking a personal trainer to learn more about what it takes to achieve maximum fitness and the science and techniques behind the process. Check out some of the courses from Study Active, you’ll find a range of instruction packages with everything from personal training and gym instructing to nutrition and healthy eating.
Watch what you eat
Eating healthily is one of the most important steps you need to take to get fit. You must strive to resist the temptation to snack on sugary sweets and fizzy drinks. These contain high numbers of calories and are bad for your teeth and oral health as well.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, experts recommend that you eat five portions of fruit and veg every day at the very least. Fruits contain natural sugars that can help you feel full and make you less tempted to reach for the chocolate.
For protein, focus on eating lean meats like chicken and turkey. Oily fish is a great option too, plus it comes with the added benefit of being a fantastic source of omega-3 fats, which can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Avoid eating too much red or processed meat – these can be high in saturated fats and can have a negative impact on your health.
Get good quality sleep
When you are looking to improve your fitness, getting enough good quality sleep is absolutely crucial. Regular exercise can take its toll on the body, if you are not getting enough rest, then your body will not be able to properly recover, and you will fail to see the benefits.
Not getting enough sleep can cause other health problems as well. It can affect your mood and emotional state, degrade your memory, and weaken your immune system making you more prone to sickness and infection. A problem that is particularly relevant to fitness is that sleep deprivation can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Experts recommend that you get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Ensure you get the right amount by sticking to a strict sleep schedule and having a familiar, easy-to-follow bedtime routine.
Set yourself goals
Setting fitness goals for yourself can help you establish what you ultimately want to achieve and can act as a guideline for you to track your progress. Make sure your goals are realistic. If you set unattainable goals, you might find yourself discouraged if you fail to achieve them.
What’s next?
Personal fitness should be a priority for us all. Not only will it improve your physical health, but it will also have significant benefits for your emotional and mental wellbeing. If you’re looking to kickstart your personal fitness journey, consider taking a course, watch what you eat, get a good night’s sleep, and set yourself realistic fitness goals.
Images: Unsplash
