Making Health & Fitness a Lifelong Journey

It all starts with a mindset shift

You've been there before - filled with determination and hope, you decide to take your health and fitness seriously. You buy the latest workout gear, sign up for the gym, and toss away the unhealthy snacks. "Today is the day," you tell yourself. "No more excuses!" But fast forward three months, and your gym gear is collecting dust, the gym is sending you "we miss you" emails, and your fridge is restocked with those not-so-healthy treats. It's a scenario many of us are familiar with. Creating sustainable habits takes time and patience. It starts with setting focused and realistic expectations. In this blog, I will outline five things that can help you turn health and fitness into a lifelong commitment.

1. Stop Focusing on the Mirror & Scales:

The desire to look better often leads people into fitness, but it's essential to understand that appearance is just one aspect. Rather than being fixated on the mirror and scales, shift your focus to strength goals, health goals, and personal challenges. These are more meaningful and sustainable markers of progress. If you must use scales try something like the Evolt 360 scanner which goes into more detail then just bodyweight, breaking down body fat %, body water, lean muscle mass and total energy expenditure just to name a few. This will give you a clearer picture then just a number.

2. Understand the Importance of Nutrition:

Your success in the kitchen plays a pivotal role in your overall health and fitness journey. Quality nutrition outweighs the effects of your gym workouts. Emphasize whole foods and steer clear of processed options. Opt for water as your primary beverage, and ensure an adequate protein intake through healthy sources. Consider using a calorie tracker to monitor your food intake, which will not only help you manage calories but also educate you about the nutritional content of what you're consuming. Remember nutrition also plays a key role in hormonal balance.

3. Make Your Goals About Sustainability:

Sustainability is the key to lasting success. Your fitness goals should be achievable in the long run. Set goals that you can realistically maintain, whether it's gym sessions, dietary changes, or any other aspect of your health and fitness journey. Starting small and gradually building up is often more sustainable than aiming for unrealistic targets that when not achieved leave you feeling dissatisfied.

4. Hire a Coach:

A good coach can be a game-changer in your health and fitness journey. They provide accountability, help set and track your goals, design tailored programs, and offer guidance and support when you need it most. A coach helps you stay on the right path and ensures you don't lose sight of the big picture.

5. Understand Health is More Than the Gym:

Health is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond the gym. It encompasses emotional well-being, quality sleep, stress management, relationships in your life, your attitude towards food, and outdoor activities that give you joy. The gym is just one part of the puzzle. To achieve complete health, you need to address all these pieces to create the full picture. Health is about balance and when these things are all focused on, you put yourself in the best possible position for lasting success.

How do I put it together?

Your health and fitness journey doesn't have to be a temporary sprint; it can be a lifelong commitment. By focusing on sustainable goals, understanding the significance of nutrition, seeking support from a coach, and taking a holistic approach to health, you can embark on a path that leads to long-term well-being. These are just some of the keys to unlocking a healthier and more fulfilling relationship with fitness. What strategies have worked for you in making health and fitness a part of your life? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out to me at bpitfit@gmail.com and share your experiences and tips. Together, we can make health and fitness a lifelong journey.