6 Excellent Ways to Increase Your Fitness

The new year is a time for fresh starts and new goals. One question many people ask themselves at this time of year is, “How can I get in better shape?” Getting in shape is not just about losing weight. Increasing your fitness can improve your overall health and appearance, but it isn’t always easy to keep up with an exercise program.

Here are six tips that may help you get started or keep going on your fitness plan.

1) Start Small and Focus on the End Goal

Starting slowly is the best way to increase your fitness level. Don’t worry about doing everything at once or getting in shape before everyone else. Instead, focus on adding just one healthy activity into your life each week, then another one the following week until they are all part of your routine.

2) Base Your Schedule on What’s Best for You

Work out at a time that fits your schedule and meshes with your lifestyle. Some people find it best to work out first thing in the morning, and others enjoy working up a sweat after dinner. Find an activity you love so much that you don’t mind squeezing it into your day – whether early in the morning or late in the evening.

3) Make It Fit Your Lifestyle

If you’re a runner, go ahead and lace up your running shoes to get fit — and encourage others to do the same. If jogging isn’t your thing, then try biking or swimming. There’s no single formula for getting into shape that works for everyone. Sometimes, people can excel at several activities. Other times, it’s best to find one that perfectly fits your needs and abilities.

4) Exercise With a Friend

Some of the best tips for getting in shape involve enlisting friends or family members to join you. Have them go on walks with you around the neighborhood, ride bikes together, make a list of challenges for the new year, and hold each other accountable by checking items off as they are completed. Having a friend or family member to work out with can be great motivation, so get your loved ones involved in your fitness routine.

5) Make It Fun

If you’re bored while working out, it’s going to be a lot harder to maintain your fitness routine. Turn on the radio or find a television show you enjoy listening to or watching while exercising. If you can, try taking up a new sport that you’ve always wanted to learn.

6) Track Your Progress

As with any goal in life, it’s important to track your progress along the way towards your fitness goals. Buy a pedometer or download an app to your smartphone that tracks how many steps you take in a day. Challenge yourself to increase the number of steps taken each day over time and keep track of your progress by charting it on paper or electronically.