7 things fit people do differently

Image supplied: Matilda Iglesias.

So what is it that makes fit people different to non-fit people?

Their habits.

Fit people make their health and well-being a priority. If it’s important to you, you’ll find the time, otherwise you’ll just find an excuse.

“I don’t have time to exercise,” is the adult version of, “The dog ate my homework”.

Which brings me to the seven things I do differently.

1. Enjoy your workout

Find a workout that you enjoy doing.  If you don’t like it, the likelihood of you committing yourself further to it is minimal.

Make a list of things you want to try out. When you find your soul mate workout you’ll know.

I’ve just started up Adult Gymnastics, and while there are some ‘tricks’ I’m not ready to do, I keep coming back, because I have fun, I can laugh at myself and it’s challenging.

So find a workout that is fun, challenging, and makes you want to come back for more.

Also, know that you’re not going to have fun working out if you don’t have the right gear to do it. Many women avoid exercise because they don’t have the right bra, and there’s no way you’ll get out for that jog if your runners make your feet hurt. So go shopping and get a kit that is going to work for you. Because nothing says enjoyment like new shoes.

2. Get involved in a club / or get a workout buddy

When you are starting out motivation is critical.  So don’t be afraid to join a club, or do a workout with a friend.

Joining a club can be a bit nerve racking.  I know when I first joined my local running club I was nervous as heck, but the people were wonderful. The best part was I didn’t feel alone. I was around other like-minded people.

I have also learned invaluable lessons from the members of the club by listening to their stories.

3. Set goals

As the saying goes “Goals are wishes with a deadline”.

Goals have helped me stay motivated & focused.

Write long term and short term goals.  When you achieve a goal, put a new goal on there, so you continually have something to aim for.

Races are also great goal motivators, as race day is “goal” date.  Most races now have team options, so if you don’t want to do it alone, drag some friends along with you, it will make a great bonding experience and you will have something to talk about for many years.

 4. Eat real food

I love food. When I eat poor nutrient deficient food however I feel awful in mind body and spirit.

When I eat real food, I feel better, I sleep better and I perform better. I enjoy fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. Eating a variety of proteins and fats, as well as other fat sources of olive oils, nuts & avocados.

Always try new foods. You might discover something that you really enjoy.

Have fun in the kitchen creating new meals. Treat yourself to a new cookbook, and cook from it for a month. I have recently, and have thoroughly enjoyed the new meals I’ve created (so have my kids).

5. Drink water

If you didn’t already know, our bodies are made up of 75% water, so it makes sense that that is what we hydrate ourselves with.

Don’t like water? Learn to like it. If that means you have to transition yourself to drinking weak cordial, or even lemon water, just do it. In time water is what your body will naturally crave, and you will find it utterly refreshing.

6. Get sleep

Aim to sleep at least 7-8 hours a night. If this means having to change your night time routine, then do it.

I enjoy listening to classical music about an hour before bed. It helps to unclutter my mind and makes me sleep more soundly.

7. Know that you aren’t perfect

I have stretch marks. I don’t have a perfect running form. I have a broken coccyx (bum - tail bone) which makes doing some workouts really hard. I can be lazy.

I know I’m not perfect, and that’s ok.

What matters is I like myself, and I’m happy with who I am.