Getting fit can seem like complicated work, but with a bit of creativity, research and planning, you can easily go from flab to fab. Whether your problem is that you can't seem to get to the gym or stick to a schedule, you're stuck in a workout rut or you are simply not obtaining the results you desire, applying simple, yet effective, makeover strategies will have you back on the road to ultimate fitness.
Set an Appointment
The first step in overcoming this obstacle is to change your attitude toward fitness. Celebrity trainer and author Bob Greene recommends making exercise part of your daily or weekly habit or routine. Schedule your workouts in advance and book them as appointments that cannot be broken. After a little practice, you'll start to take these appointments more seriously. While taking time to work out can seem like a luxury to some people, the truth is that the fitter and healthier you are, the more you will have to give to your family, friends, boss and coworkers.
Strength Training
Cardio is an important part of the fitness equation, but it isn't the only aspect of it. Strength training also helps to sculpt and tone your muscles, and the lean muscle mass built will also help to increase your metabolism. If your idea of a strength-training session is doing a few lunges and bicep curls, then put down the dumbbells and head to the group fitness studio. Both yoga and boot camp classes will train, strengthen and tone your entire body in 60 minutes. Repeat two to three times per week.
Remember Your Legs
Often you'll see men in the gym very focused on building up their chest and upper body without paying any attention to their legs. The largest muscle groups in your body are in your glutes and legs. At least twice a week, make a point to step away from the chest press and focus on your legs. Leg press, squats, lunges and step-ups are all effective exercises for the lower extremities.
Cardio Rut
When you always use the same cardio routine or machine, your mind and your body become bored and your workout is less effective. To put the excitement and calorie burn back in your workout, mix it up. Rather than spending all of your time on one machine, try working out for 10 or 15 minutes on two or three different machines. For example, warm up on the elliptical trainer, then run on the treadmill and finish up by climbing stairs on the stair mill.
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