Tips to start a fitness life

Maintaining your physical and mental well-being is crucial for a fulfilling life. Here are some practical tips to help you begin leading a fitness-focused lifestyle. By dedicating time to self-care, you can feel great and enjoy your daily activities while safeguarding your health. Adopting a fitness lifestyle can help you develop balanced habits that enhance overall well-being.

You might not realize it, but you can easily improve your quality of life.

Wondering about the benefits and how to start? Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Do Short Exercise Routines

Find it hard to engage in physical activity? Try using a fitness app on your phone to follow daily routines of 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes. Combine cardiovascular, strength, and stretching exercises for optimal benefits. This can help increase muscle mass, endurance, and flexibility (MedlinePlus, 2021; Pajer & Carter, 2021).

Get Around by Walking

Counteract a sedentary lifestyle by adding more movement to your day. Walk or bike instead of driving for some trips. At work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. These small changes can significantly boost your daily physical activity (Pajer & Carter, 2021; Fundación Española del Corazón, 2022).

Drink Enough Water

Staying hydrated is essential for skin care, maintaining focus, improving concentration, and regulating appetite. Make a habit of drinking more water throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you—keep it at your desk, in your bag, or in a visible spot at home as a reminder to drink frequently (Pajer & Carter, 2021; Mayo Clinic, 2023a).

Wake Up and Stretch Your Body

Start your day with new habits in the early morning hours. Begin with stretches to energize your body. Include a mindfulness meditation session to improve concentration, focus, and mental clarity. Enjoy the calm and quiet of the morning, setting a harmonious tone for the rest of your day (Pajer & Carter, 2021).

Take Active Breaks

Incorporate small breaks throughout your workday to maintain emotional and physical health. These breaks can prevent burnout, reduce stress, and help you stay in shape. During these breaks, consider practicing yoga with simple postures or taking a walk outside to enjoy the sunlight (Pajer & Carter, 2021; Mayo Clinic, 2023b).

Include Fiber in Your Diet

Fiber-rich foods offer numerous benefits, such as regulating blood cholesterol levels, providing a feeling of satiety, and maintaining intestinal health (MedlinePlus, 2021; Mayo Clinic, 2022). If incorporating fiber into your diet is challenging, try meal prepping to plan your meals and ensure you always have healthy options. Whole grains and fruits like pineapple and apple are excellent sources of fiber.

Leading a fitness-oriented life will help you stay more active, providing you with increased energy, strength, and freedom of movement every day. Apply these tips to create a more balanced routine, improve your mood, and enhance your overall well-being.

Dr. Eric - Your Santa Monica Chiropractor