10 Fantastic Fitness Tips

By The Team Of Nationally Certified Trainers At Sports Club Five Forks, Greenville & Simpsonville

1) Set Realistic Goals

Set goals that you can achieve, and use mini-goals to keep you motivated over the time it takes to accomplish larger goals. Want to lose 50 lbs? Set a mini-goal of skipping desserts for a month. Want to run a marathon? Start with a 5K. Whatever your goals – large and small – write them down!

2) Stay Motivated

Find a workout partner. Sign up for a marathon or triathlon. Keep that unflattering photo of you handy and visible. Work with a personal trainer. Do whatever it takes to remain committed.

3) Confuse Your Muscles

Always try to change your workouts to keep your body guessing what you will do next. This will give you great changes and push you to the next level.

4) Be Patient

Winners know a goal is only as worthy as the effort that’s required to achieve it. If it didn’t take you one month to get to your current fitness level, then it’s going to take longer than a month to get you where you

want to be!

5) Don’t Neglect Your Back

It’s common for the muscles in your lower back to be underdeveloped in comparison to the muscles in your limbs and upper torso, and a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. A healthy lower will improve your posture, boost overall strength and minimize your risk of injury in the future.

6) Go Pro

If you need help with your plan, your goals, etc., talk to a fitness professional. Certified personal trainers have a wealth of knowledge, and can keep you from wasting time in the gym.

7) Push & Pull

Incorporate a push/pull exercise pattern into your workout routine. This will help keep you from creating postural distortions. An example of this would be a dumbbell chest press followed with a seated cable back row.

8) EAT!

That’s right! Eat a small meal before you go to a party or event where you might be tempted to graze. This will help you have more willpower to stay away from all those high-calorie goodies. Try something high in fiber and healthy fat. Cereal with a banana, raisins and walnuts, granola with yogurt and fruit, and lentil soup are all great choices.

9) Be Happy

Be sure to pick an activity you actually enjoy doing. If you hate running, try aerobics, cycling or tennis. If you enjoy working out with others, try a group fitness class. If you don’t get some enjoyment out of your fitness routine, you won’t stay with it for long.

10) Be Consistent

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle, get faster or eat better – no amount of advice will help if you don’t follow it consistently.