Among our new year’s resolutions for 2017, living a healthy lifestyle and exercising more probably rank in the top 10 for the majority of us. However, with the hustle and bustle of daily life—kids, work, errands, travel schedules—it doesn’t take long for our fitness goals to make their way down our list of to-dos that are never done. Putting yourself first and finding time to invest in your long-term goals can be a struggle, but it is a necessity to ensure you live life as the healthiest version of yourself.
So, how do you make sure you invest in your health? The first step to staying healthy and getting fit is to commit to it and treat it like a business plan. Write down your fitness goals, schedule workouts, shop healthy and prepare healthy meals to set yourself up to succeed. It’s easier to neglect or forget something if you don’t have it in front of you.
Carefully research health and fitness trends to find the type of exercise that works for you and, most important, prevents you from being injured. Here are a few popular trends worth looking at in 2017.
High-intensity interval training and super-set workouts. With these training techniques, you give all-out, 100-percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short and sometimes active recovery periods. This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time.
Technology monitoring. Monitor your body with technology such as Fitbits, smartwatches, fitness apps, etc., to make sure you are staying on target, working to the best of your ability and getting an understanding of your body.
Alkalinity upkeep. Try pH strips to monitor your alkalinity. You can buy these at most drugstores, health food stores and supermarkets. If you can keep your body in a balanced alkaline state, you are less susceptible to getting sick. You will also avoid soreness, improve your mood and skin, maintain your energy levels and exert more physical energy. In a nutshell, a balanced pH level will benefit your entire body. This all starts with what we put in our body.
If you are a newcomer to fitness, welcome! My first bit of advice is stay encouraged. Find a fitness partner or a group that can motivate and encourage you. If, like many people in your shoes, you’ve previously signed up for a gym and never went, try signing up for classes so you’re obligated to go. Find an experienced fitness instructor who tailors your workout and pays attention to tempo, form and rest.
