Getting in shape for anyone can be incredibly difficult, but especially so for busy parents. Between caring for children, going to work, managing things around the house, and more, it can be difficult to find the time to get into shape the way you might want to. Even harder than finding the time to work out, however, is sticking to a regular workout routine.
It seems like many people today struggle with getting into shape for one reason or another; less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and only a third of adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week. However, getting the right amount of exercise can greatly impact your overall health. If you want to stick to your fitness goals this year, here are a few tips that you can use to help keep you moving on your path to fitness.
Try Something New
Getting stuck into the same old routine can be boring, and that boredom can burn you out quickly when it comes to trying to stay fit. Find a new sport or hobby to get involved in that can keep you fit and active. Don’t stick to just common sports; look outside the box too. Who knows – you might find yourself among the 19.6% of Millennials participate in water sports. There are plenty of activities for you to try to stay in shape.
Better With Friends
You don’t need to get in shape alone, and in fact, having other people working out with you can help keep you motivated during and even after your workout. The social element might keep you coming back to your fitness class when you might otherwise skip on your workout; 36% of all regular exercisers participate in some kind of fitness class, and the social interaction helps make the experience more enjoyable.
Get The Family Involved
Working out doesn’t just have to be for mom and dad. Getting the kids involved can help them get some much needed exercise. Only 43% of 6 to 11-year-old Americans get the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise, and getting them started earlier can help them keep in shape as they get older. Just make sure your workouts are kid-friendly before getting any children involved; be careful with any heavy weights or other equipment they might hurt themselves with.
Skip The Gym
If going to the same place every day for your workout feels too repetitive, you don’t necessarily have to work out exclusively in the gym. There are plenty of home equipment options available to bring your workout into your home if you can’t make it to the gym all the time.
Make It Modern With Technology
With all the smartwatches and new fitness trackers available on the market today, getting in shape is getting consistently easier. Buying a fitness tracker can help you stay on track for your goals while also keeping you motivated. It also makes keeping track of your progress much easier, helping you see just how far you’ve come.
Keep It Goal-Oriented
Keep your goals in mind while you’re working out. Just make sure you’re picking your goals carefully; making goals too lofty can cause frustration when you’re struggling to reach milestones. Keep them realistic and health-focused to help you improve your overall fitness, and allow yourself to celebrate milestones.
Getting in shape can be difficult, but these tips may be able to help. How do you plan to get in shape this year?
