Are you thinking about getting in shape?

One of the best things you can do for your overall health and psychological well being is to get in shape. Although getting in shape can often seem like a daunting task, there are quick and easy ways to incorporate exercise into your routine, maintain your motivation and your commitment to reaching your fitness goals.

We are used to thinking of exercise as a formal process - we go to the gym and work out on a machine, or we take some type of a group class. While this can be a great way to get into shape, it is not the only way to do it. It is indeed possible to incorporate small amounts of exercise into your daily routine here and there. One trick some people use is to park further away from the store. When you go grocery shopping or go to the mall, park your car in the parking spot that is furthest away from the entrance. Do the same when you go to work. A few minutes of walking here and there can add up! Likewise, take the stairs rather than the elevator or the escalator. Do pushups or other types of cardio during commercial breaks. Yard work or work around the house can also add up!

If you stick with the same type of exercise over and over, you are likely to get bored quickly. It is when exercise feels like a chore that we are the most likely to talk ourselves out of working out. To avoid boredom, vary the types of physical activity that you engage in. Try to do at least two different types of exercise a week. If you enjoy dancing, see what dancing classes are offered by your local community center. Likewise, if you enjoy playing sports, your town probably has intramural sports leagues. Check them out to see if this could be an option for you.

Those of us who lead a healthy lifestyle and are physically fit typically have more energy and stamina than those who are not in shape. If your energy level is often lacking during the day, regular exercise will likely help give you a boost that will be more long lasting and healthier for you than downing coffee. Take a look at what you typically eat, as well, to make sure you are making food choices that support your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

If you are having trouble sticking with your exercise routine, consider enlisting the help of a friend. Having an exercise buddy can help you stay accountable and on track. This person can either be someone you exercise with regularly or simply someone that you check in with to report your progress. Many people find that working out with someone else can help the time to go by faster.

The benefits of being physically fit are numerous! You are likely to feel happier and less stressed, more energetic, and less likely to be at risk for physical ailments. Good luck!

An Exercise Plan to Get Your Body in the Best Shape Ever

Getting into your best physical shape is easy when you are young, but it becomes increasingly harder with age. This is due to hormonal changes, work and family obligations, overloaded schedules, poor diets and a general lack of physical activity. If you have decided that you need to make exercise a part of your life so that you can stay fit, follow the simple steps below to create a workable plan that fits in with your tastes and lifestyle.

 1- Start by getting some clarity on your exercise goals. While most people choose weight loss as their first goal, you might want to firm up flabby arms or get your legs in better shape for the upcoming ski season. If you choose a goal with a set end date, this makes an exercise program much easier for you to stick to. Over time, you will keep finding new challenges to prepare for, and someday you might find yourself training for goals such as completing your first marathon!

 2- Think about the types of exercise you are willing to do. One of the keys to staying motivated is mixing up your routine, so include as many different types of exercise as you can. Go with things you like, and start experimenting with different exercises or activities that you have never tried before.

3- Build up an exercise routine that is based upon a group of exercises that you really enjoy. Choose activities that you would do anyway, even if they were not part of a "workout." Some people find running to be meditative, while others enjoying bicycling at the beach so that they can people-watch. Some even do laps around the inside of a mall! Whatever gets you engaged in physical activity works.

 4- Part of your exercise plan includes healthy eating. There are many. online calculators that can help you add up the number of calories you need to maintain your current weight, or lose weight, if that is your goal. Increase the calories according to the intensity level of your exercise. This should be done automatically for you with a good calorie calculator. Take this information, and build a healthy diet based on getting enough of the right types of food to support your exercise program. You can find free online sites that have meal planners and nutritional data to help you.

5- Share your exercise goals and plans with friends and family. Be selective about who you share with, though. Negative or critical attitudes are a motivation killer, so surround yourself with people that are positive and supportive regarding your exercise efforts.

 6- Track your exercise progress, so that you can use the information to see how you are doing, and chart new goals. This includes your weight, body measurements, types and amount of exercise completed, or any other measurement metric that is meaningful and helpful to you.

Planning an effective exercise program is detailed, but it is not difficult. You get out of it what you put into it, so use the tips above to plan your own custom workout program, and before you know it, you will be well on your way to having your best body ever.