So, how can fear be conquered? Here are several tips for taking that first step and making it a whole lot easier:

Start Out Small

Exercise doesn’t have to involve two hours at the gym five days a week to produce results. While the fact is a gym membership can be very useful, it’s not the only way to go. If necessary, take baby steps to get on the road to fitness. Do such things as:

• Start walking to neighbors or a nearby store instead of driving;
• Take the stairs instead of using the elevator;
• Play more vigorously with the kids;
• Swim;
• Garden;
• Go dancing.

Getting active for even a few minutes a day can be the start of something great when it comes to fitness.

Pick Activities that are Fun

Working out isn’t solely defined as lifting weights and running. Find an activity or activities that are personally fun and dive in with both feet. When you do that, “exercise” won’t seem like work – it will be more like play.

Consult success coach

Coming up with good ideas to maximize workout time for the greatest results can be a little tough. A success coach here at Fit For You Health Club, however, will have some great ideas on how to help you get started. Even if you’re not sure you want to join a gym, go in for a tour and a consultation. The ideas offered might very well help uncover the perfect activities for personal fitness.

Set a Schedule

Exercising should be built into the routine, but remember it doesn’t have to take up a huge chunk of time to be effective. If spare moments are at a minimum, consider scheduling three 30-minute blocks of time to exercise every week. Stick to the routine.

Stay Motivated

One of the biggest roadblocks people face when trying to get into shape is motivation. To help stay on track do such things as:

• Set realistic goals
• Track those goals
• Recognize milestones with special rewards
• Workout with a friend or family member
• Work with a success coach!

Getting started on a fitness plan might not be “easy,” but it’s far from impossible. Just get up, get moving and remember to take it a day at a time. Get past that first day and the rest will come naturally.

If you would like to start your journey, the first and probably the most effective way to start is with a free consultation, GO HERE… What do you have to lose except a little bodyfat and a few cholesterol points.

If it’s time to add better foods into the diet to promote improved health and weight loss, here are some great ways to make sure several servings of fruit are worked in:

Shop Smart

Fresh fruit can be a costly purchase, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider buying fruit from a local produce stand for what will typically be the best prices around. Make sure to pick a variety of different fruits and don’t overload too much. Remember the shelf life of fruit isn’t too terribly long, so it’s best to buy what will be consumed within a few days.

Best Bets

Grabbing any fruit instead of a processed sugar laden or fried snack is always the better choice. That said, when picking up fruit to work into the regular routine, consider fruits that are:

• Easy to carry – Bananas, apples, pears, peaches and other similar fruits are easy to toss into a bag to consume later.
• Rich in vitamins – Just about any fruit fits this order, but some choices are better than others. Citrus fruits, berries and bananas are always excellent choices here.
• Sweet – When fruits will replace “normal,” unhealthy snacks, chances are they’ll be used to combat cravings for sweets. With that in mind, oranges, tangerines, strawberries and other sweeter fruits are great choices to beat back a sugar craving.

Slipping Fruit into the Routine

It’s really not as difficult to work fruit into the regular diet as it might seem. Here are some tips for making sure good, healthy choices are made each and every day:

• Stock up on fruit before leaving the house – Toss a few pieces of fruit into a lunch sack or purse before heading out for the day. It’s easy to peel a banana, for example, to snack on in the office. An apple is also a great choice here. If it’s easy to carry along a knife for peeling, citrus fruits work well, too. Berries carried in a baggie can also satisfy after-lunch cravings for something sweet.
• Add fruit slices to regular meals – Cut up a banana and add it to the morning cereal. Toss berries into a yogurt cup to get an extra burst of nutrition. Use orange slices and pineapple to enhance a salad. Apple slices also go great with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Making sure to get several servings of fruit a day doesn’t have to be a chore. Just pick up a few pieces of fruit on the way out the door to make sure snack time provides the body with the fuel and nutrition it needs to get through the day.

Before

After

About 3 years ago I changed careers and became a REALTOR.  Since that time I added about 30 pounds as a result of not getting enough exercise and eating poorly.  With a 6 to 7 day work week, a very erratic schedule and no planned exercise the weight just kept piling on.  I knew the only way I would get this under control was to sign up for personal training, make a commitment and schedule the appointments on the calendar.  It worked!!  Since the end of September I have lost 22 pounds and even more importantly I know I am improving my health.  I have a goal of 45 lbs to lose and I am already halfway there.

When I started, I found out quickly how weak and out of shape I was.  The trainers worked with me and have gradually increased the weights and activity.  Now, my breathing has improved, my strength has increased significantly and the sessions seem to go by quickly.  This truly is one of the best things I have done for myself.  The staff and trainers at Fit For You have been great and have encouraged me every day.

Thank you to the entire Fit For You Staff.

Ron Williamson

Before

After

I began my fitness journey in January of 2011.  With the help of my trainers, I have proved that through a lot of hard work, dedication, and self-discipline that anything is possible.  The Fit For You staff is always complimentary and encouraging, which makes me feel great. I have had great trainers that push me and motivate me like nobody else can. This has been a great experience for me on every level. My strength and energy level has multiplied. I went from a size 12 to a size 6 and gained a whole new me!!

Jenny Marshall

Before

After

I was an obese child before they were common place.  In the 5th grade I weighed 168 lbs and shame associated with my weight was at the very core of who I would become.

Throughout teen and adulthood I have lost and gained hundreds and hundreds of pounds.  In 2009-2010 I lost 69 pounds but never established a committed exercise program.  Eventually I gained every pound back.  Approaching 50 years of age I was at my wits end! Bariatric surgery was a segue to embark on my journey to a lifetime of fitness.  Fit For You generously offers a three months free membership for post op bariatric patients.  This served as the impetus to get me to the gym.  I was reluctant initially. My trainers have encouraged me and impacted my plan for a lifelong fit lifestyle.  They reminded me of the need for proper and adequate nutrition, and challenge me with every session.  Through them I’ve learned to push myself when I work out alone, and not to fear the BURN!

My motivation to eat properly and achieve and maintain a normal BMI is no longer appearance based.  My true motivating factors now are vitality and longevity.  A healthy relationship with food and a commitment to fitness is a lifetime journey.

I accept the challenge.

Konnie Novak