The realization that we need to get back into shape does not always come at a time when we are feeling our best. There is nothing worse than thinking about getting back out there or back into the gym and not feeling confident in yourself. A lack of self-confidence can be one of the biggest stumbling blocks for anyone who is thinking about getting back into an exercise routine. Knowing that exercising can boost your mental health does not help you can’t bring yourself to go to the gym in the first place. If you are coming to the end of the summer and are realizing that you need to put some real work in, you need to be feeling your best.
So, how do you make sure that you are giving yourself as much of a boost as possible to keep yourself happy while getting back into shape? By taking positive steps to ensure that you are being good to yourself and that you feel good about how you look. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Get Into A Routine
This is an important step for anyone who is starting a new exercise program, regardless of what fitness level they are currently at. If all you know right now is that you want to be in better shape, you need to start by sitting down and thinking about how much time you have in the day to dedicate to this. Are you going to be carving out an hour before work? Or are you hitting the gym on your lunchbreak? Once you know your time slot, you can plan the work you are going to be doing accordingly. You can also make sure that you have a clear timetable that you can keep to.
Make Sure That You Like What You Are Wearing
There is such a cliché for people who are trying to get back into shape that you need to go to the gym or go for a run while wearing an old band t-shirt and joggers that have seen better days. How we look and the clothes that we wear have a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves, and what we think other people see when they look at us.
Now, the second part is obviously a lot less important than the first. You need to make sure that you like what you are wearing, and that you feel comfortable. For a lot of us, feeling like we are looking sharp and stylish is a huge part of where we get our self-confidence from. And self-confidence is one of the most important building blocks of fitness. Whether you are looking for clothes that you can wear while exercising or an outfit that you can wear out of the gym feeling good about the work you have done, Gucci for men has an excellent range of stylish options. Visit SSENSE for shoppable outfits online that will make you feel like yourself. They have a fantastic range of clothes and accessories for every style and every occasion.
Don’t Go Too Hard Too Early
One of the classic mistakes for anyone trying to improve their fitness level is aiming too high too early. If you set yourself a target that you are not going to be able to achieve, then you are only going to beat yourself up when you don’t get there. Instead of putting yourself through hell right out the gate, think carefully about the fitness level that you are at right now. What is a realistic amount of exercise to be doing? Once you have that figured out, you can start building slowly but surely, instead of giving yourself too much to do. If you are not quite sure where to start, then think about talking to a personal trainer. They can work with you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and put together a plan for you.
Find A Diet Plan That You Like
Of course, one of the core components of any new fitness routine is your diet. And just like the exercise routine, it is important to remember that if you are forcing yourself into a routine that is not sustainable and that you do not enjoy, then the chances of you not sticking to it are that much higher. So, start by identifying the foods and drinks that can help you get energy, grow muscle, and keep you healthy without bringing a load of empty calories along for the ride. Things like grilled chicken and grilled fish are a staple of any protein-rich diet, and you should also be looking at dark leafy green vegetables to make sure that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Head online and find some recipes that you will enjoy making and enjoy eating. This way, you don’t need to feel like food and drink are going to be a drag.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
