How To Get Started
The biggest hurdle I think a lot of people have to overcome when they want to lead a healthier lifestyle is the first hurdle of actually getting started or even knowing where to start. I think it was always the biggest let down for me because I never actually had a solid plan or even any clue what I was doing because I hadn't taken the time to teach myself how to actually be healthier.
I get asked a lot how people should start their new lifestyle because it is quite daunting if you've never done anything like it before and you're ready for such a big change. It is all the more challenging if you don't have any kind of outside support, whether that be a friend or simply the online community. Every one has been there and it is totally okay to be unsure to the point that you ask for help or have to look something up. Nobody knows everything and there is nothing wrong with that.
You've guessed by now that 5 seems to be the running theme in my blog so I've put together the 5 step guide to getting started with a healthier lifestyle.
1. Know Your Needs
This runs along the whole weight loss idea of eating very little which is perpetuated by the media and uneducated "fitness" fanatics. The most vital thing is properly fueling yourself otherwise you can't be expect to function sufficiently. The key factor is getting enough energy and this can vary from person to person depending upon height, weight, build and exercise levels. As mentioned in previous posts, I would recommend the IIFYM calculator at IIFYM.com to know what your specific needs are. There is no use finding out how much a fitness blogger or a celebrity eats because 9 times out of 10 it just won't work for you.
You'll need to decide what your fitness aims are too! Do you want to just generally be active and maintain your current size? or do you want to lose body fat or do you even want to build up muscle? All 3 require different things and so that's why one food intake does not fit all of us when it comes to being healthier. The workouts for each are different so you'll need to pick an exercise routine for yourself.
2. Find A Routine
Finding exercise you enjoy is hard but totally worth it in the end. There are a multitude of different workout styles which can suit our needs whether you prefer pilates, dance, boxing, weights, circuits, yoga, suspension workouts etc. I would say to try different ones and see which you really like doing because there is no point doing a routine you don't like and having to struggle to make yourself do it each week because you don't look forward to it. Being more active is definitely easier if you love the activity.
Finding a ready-made routine helps bridge that knowledge gap if you don't know what moves work which part of your body or how long to do them for. It can be like having your own personal trainer but not having to fork out a bunch of money for the real thing if you don't require very specific advice. You can buy DVDs such as the Jillian Michaels routines which I adore. You can look on YouTube for Blogilates or Fitness Blender for videos you can workout a long to or buy guides online such as The Bikini Body Guide plus you can find free print outs from places such as Women's Health. Before starting them you'll need some basic fitness equipment too!
3. Get The Basics
Frugality is one of my best skills and I don't think anyone needs hundreds of pounds worth of fitness equipment to get fit. I started out with a supportive sports bra, some old t shirts, leggings and some trainers I bought for £20. Yes it is really lovely to have all the nice new Nike or Adidas gear in the latest patterns but, lets face it, it isn't going to make you healthier faster.
A quick look online and it is very easy to find a comfortable sports bra which will do the job just fine. eBay, Marshalls, Ross, Argos and Sports Direct are a god send for this kind of thing; you can find trainers suitable for your needs, foam rollers for under £15, sports bras for under £10 and the odd piece of reduced branded fitness wear as a nice treat for sticking to your routine. The absolute minimum that I think anyone can get into fitness with is a workout mat, some supportive trainers, hand weights, a water bottle and a comfy sports bra which can all be bagged for under £40. Whilst eating better and working out, it can be very useful to track your progress and keep yourself accountable so that you see what is working and what isn't.
4. Keep Accountable & Track Progress
Being accountable and voicing that I wanted to be healthier to my friends and online followers made me accountable and really helped me stick to my goals. Before I would just keep the idea quiet and then I could worm my way out of it but with people asking me how I was doing or joining my routine I was more likely to stick to it.
If one of your friends, family members or your partner is interested in being healthier than you could do it together and support each other on a day to day basis. There are also groups like Weight Watchers, Slimming World and just general support groups where you can meet and put your mind at ease because your challenge is being lessened.
You don't necessarily have to tell people you actually know and you can remain anonymous online if that makes you feel better about it. You don't have to tell people what workouts you did, how much you weigh, what clothes size you are etc. but just writing or speaking about what your aims are or how you're feeling can help with the challenge of being healthier.
I reviewed a few apps in my last post which can be used to track intake, maintain a social circle of like-minded individuals and see your progress. Having accountability in an online forum like Tumblr, Instagram or Blogspot to use as a diary, post progress and get out your feelings is something I think would help a lot of people whether or not you have many followers or if many people read it. The accountability it brings will help you stick to your healthy lifestyle in the long run.
5. Think Long Term
The one major thing that I feel makes SO many people give up is that we always want quick results. Health isn't something to be rushed and saying you want to lose a certain amount each week or a certain amount by a certain date is pressuring yourself. All that pressure can build up, stress you out and make you give up. I felt so much better generally when I stopped thinking I had to lose 2lbs a week or that I wanted to be slimmer for a holiday. Health is about caring for yourself in the long run and if you take as many numbers out of it as you can then it makes it a lot easier.
Please don't think that you can suddenly eat clean and workout like a maniac for 30 days before a holiday and be 3 sizes smaller or magically happy with your body. What will you do after that? Put weight back on and go back to how you felt before the trip? It just isn't sustainable and it isn't healthy. None of the quick fixes work and I wouldn't even recommend them to start with. If they worked then everyone would do them.
Treat your body like you would treat your own child; nourish and nurture it so that it can grow and function to the best of its abilities. Learn to give it rest and time to recuperate without piling on the pressure. Being healthy is just as much about caring for your mental health as it is about your physical health. Adopt a routine which you know that you could sustain in the long run and one that doesn't make you feel negative.
These are the basics but I think they make a good jumping off point for most people. It is important that if you do have any specific physical or dietary needs that you speak to your medical professionals who can recommend suitable alternatives for you. These are the things that helped me get through my changes and stick to it for so long. I have maintained my weight of ~155lbs for 2 years now and I know it is possible to stick to your new routine if you're ready to make the effort for yourself and your health!
XOXO
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