Myths and false beliefs about fitness still abound and billions of dollars a year are being spent on pills, liquids, powders, and treatments to lose weight and look the way you want. Despite the commercialism surrounding fitness, supplements and medicine, there is no magic bullet when it comes to getting fit.
The supplement industry is a $125 billion market largely driven by health and wellness products. About 75% of Americans take supplements. While there is a legitimate need for supplements for some people, most people can get all the vitamins and minerals they need from a proper diet. Consulting a knowledgeable source is always recommended.
Being fit and living a fitness lifestyle requires work. And not just work in the gym. Being fit requires proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep. It requires dedication, commitment, and a sense of purpose. It is not easy for most of us to become fit and stay fit.
Fitness requires a well rounded approach. Each of us is required to learn about our body and what we need to succeed. Walk into a gym with a hundred other people and each one of you has unique requirements. We are all subject to basic concepts like eating less than you take it if you want to lose weight. Each of us has a unique formula for becoming fit and staying fit. The key is to know what is required for you.
Discipline. It takes discipline to become fit and stay fit. We are born with genetics that give us a certain body type. We must work with this body type and there are no short cuts. If you must change your eating habits and develop workout habits, change is required. Change requires discipline. Work on your ability to be disciplined. Like all aspects of a fitness lifestyle, discipline can be learned and applied.
Time. If you are going to be fit it is going to take time. Time management is an important part of the fitness equation. Workouts take time. It takes more than 15 minutes of walking to get fit. It also takes time to prepare proper meals and shop for healthy foods. It takes time to get enough sleep. If you are challenged by things like planning and time management, these are helpful skills in your quest to become fit.
Learning. You can spend a lifetime learning about how to get fit and stay fit given your body and its capabilities and limitations. We are all unique and each of our bodies has unique needs. Learn about your body. What type of foods are best for you? How many calories do you need per day? What ratio of protein, carbohydrates and fats do you need? How much sleep do you need? How does your body handle sugar? Learn about you. It is a great investment of time.
Work with a personal trainer. A good personal trainer can help you learn about your body and your personal requirements. Fitness has come a long way and there are a lot of methodologies which can be helpful. Fitness equipment has improved and knowledge about working out and nutrition has grown immensely over the years. Spend time with a personal trainer to learn about your individual needs.