So, it’s that time of year again, time to make your new year’s resolutions! Many guys make a resolution to get into shape but fail after a couple of weeks and go back into old habits, well never fear! Here are 20 tips to help you change your lifestyle and get the body that you want!
1. don’t exercise Alone!
Drag a mate to the gym, or to go running with you! Training with someone who is roughly the same fitness as you is a good motivator to push each other. Do you want to see your buddy get all the girls with his new toned body? No? Then make sure he has to keep up with you instead!
2. Variety will help!
Don’t just go to the gym three times a week to do the same thing over and over again! It will get boring and you will quit! Change things up a little, go for a run, go cycling, go swimming, attend a class or two, have several different routines. Keep changing things around!
3. Get in the mood first!
Training when you are not in the mood will lead to you slacking. Slacking will lead to you quitting. Try to get yourself in the mood before you start your workout! Put on some motivational music, get yourself pumped!
4. Use Interval training!
If you always exercise at the same level you will reach a point where you stop improving. This could lead you to quitting! Using interval training to continually improve your fitness! For example instead of doing 5 minutes running at the same speed, do 3 minutes at a higher level than normal and 2 minutes recovering at a slower place.
5. Reward yourself!
Been to the gym three times this week and gave 100% effort each time? Then reward yourself! Give yourself a treat (within reason) for the hard work you have put in this week!
6. Get a Personal Trainer!
Did you receive some money for Christmas and not sure what to do with it? Invest it in yourself and hire a personal trainer! A good trainer will push you to levels you never thought possible!
7. Don’t do too much!
Don’t work out every day! Your body needs recovery time in between training sessions and overdoing it can lead to injury. Making working out something to look forward to and enjoy your relax time in between!
8. Missed a training session? Move on!
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a training session! We are all busy people and will occasionally miss a planned work out. Don’t panic, just plan another session straight away and get back on the fitness horse! Don’t let a missed session undo all your hard work!
9. Do something you enjoy!
You will more than likely stick to something if you enjoy it! Try a variety of things to see what gives you most pleasure! It could be just going to the gym, or it could be cycling, or swimming or even playing tennis! You will stick at it if you enjoy what you are doing!
10. Set yourself a long term goal!
Before you start your new regime, plan a long term goal that you want to achieve! Want to lose 30 lbs? Want to get a six pack? Make this your long term plan so that you have something to focus on!
11. Compete!
Nothing can improve you like the need to compete with someone else! For example if you like running why not enter a race, marathon or fun run? Competing with other people will push you to stick at your training session.
12. Set yourself Short Term goals!
Remember the long term goal you set? Break that down into shorter term goals so you can see your plan coming together! They can be tiny simple goals, such as run for an extra 1 minute or do 2 extra reps on the free weights. Constantly achieving goals will help motivate you.
13. Get some new kit!
Buy yourself some new workout stuff. Invest in a proper pair of trainers. Not only will it help you during your workout but will also act as motivation. Why spend money on something if you are not going to use it!
14. Tell Friends and Family what you are doing!
By telling all your friends and family you will create yourself a small support group. They will be there to encourage you to meet your goal, or ridicule you if you give up too easily!
15. If you get fit, you will feel more attractive!
It has been scientifically proven that men who work out three times a week feel more attractive. Not only may this help you with your love life but it will also make you feel better about yourself! Get down the gym!
16. Exercise away from distractions!
Working out at home? Well make sure that TV is off and your phone is off the hook! Do not let things stop you working out.
17. Get a plan!
Going to the gym tonight? Do you know what you are going to so when you get there? Structure your workouts so you will have a routine to stick to so you do not slack! Don’t waste your time thinking about what to do next when you are at the gym, make sure you know beforehand!
18. Feeling stressed?
Had a hard day at work? Feeling tense and stressed? You know what will solve that problem? A good workout! Don’t veg out in front of the TV with take away, or head down the pub to drown your sorrows! Get down the gym and burn that stress off!
19. Get enough sleep!
You will never want to go to the gym if you are always tired! Make sure you get enough sleep! An average man needs 8 hours of sleep a night, make sure you get it!
20. Be happier!
It has been scientifically proven that being fit makes you happier! Exercising releases mood enhancing brain chemicals which can really raise your mood! So feeling a little down? Or got the winter blues? Get down the gym! Go for a Run! You WILL feel better!