6 Steps to Better Health and Fitness

Another Wimbledon is in the record books. The 4th and all the fireworks are now another pleasant memory. These long, hot days of Summer give us a little extra time to enjoy our favorite outdoor fun!

July is a great time to evaluate your fitness goals and the progress you are making! With almost 6 months left in this year – why not take a few minutes now to assess your progress and where you’d like to be in 6 weeks or before the Holidays roll around! Are you on track to meet the goals you set forth for this year? If not, don’t panic – there’s plenty of time to make some good progress before the kids head back to school!

Here’s a few ideas to help you keep you going:

1) If you ever find yourself pressed for time – remind yourself that better health can lead to a lifetime of benefits. View workouts as time for yourself, rather than as a chore. On days when you’re unmotivated, convince yourself to exercise for just ten minutes. After getting started, you’ll probably do much more.

2) Whether you want to lose a few pounds or enhance your physical performance, set yourself up for success by establishing reasonable short-term goals. Then, try rewarding yourself as you reach each milestone. Treat yourself to a new pair of running shoes after you lose those first five pounds. Or take the family out to your favorite eatery after you run a whole mile – without stopping! Keep your goals simple and within reach – you’ll accomplish them sooner! Then, set new goals!

3) Make exercise fun. Enjoy playing different sports. Vary your workouts with different exercises. Ever tried yoga or swimming? Many healthy fitness lovers enjoy the benefits of using low-impact exercise equipment. Buy an elliptical and turn your extra room into a mini fitness center! Choose different exercise routines and gradually build your times and intensity. Or try a new sport. Give your body a variety of challenging thrills and make it fun! Your fitness efforts will seem much easier if you’re having fun. Enjoy the journey!

4) See yourself reaching your goal. Visualize your success. Imagine how you’ll feel slipping into a new smaller size or walking down the beach in that really hot new swimsuit! Hang a picture on your refrigerator of someone who already has the kind of body shape you want. Every time you go to the ice-box you’ll have a pleasant reminder to eat healthy foods!

5) Some find it helpful to keep a fitness journal and even take pictures along the way. Document your progress. This can do wonders for your ongoing motivation. Every few weeks – look back and see for yourself how much you’ve accomplished! This can be a powerful strategy to help you assess what’s working and, perhaps what’s not.

6) Hold onto your goal. Add new, short term targets or goals as often as you feel necessary – always keeping an eye on the ultimate goal.

Be proactive - enjoy a healthy lifestyle. You'll have more energy and more fun! Get more sleep, exercise most days, and keep eating healthy foods! You’ll feel better and look better!

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