Tina Morin

With summer right around the corner most people are either looking to get in shape for the summer or trying to maintain their fitness routines despite the great weather. If you are looking to get in shape for the summer, the best time to start is now. As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was a hundred years ago, but the second best time is now. The same principle applies to fitness. There is no shortcut to long term success but there are a few simple methods that can help incorporate healthy habits into your life.

Everyone starts somewhere and the best way to create a successful fitness plan is by setting your own goals. The key is to not only make your goals ambitious but also aligned with things that make you happy. Six-pack abs and size 0 dresses don’t often make for sustainable goals for most people. Fitness and wellness is a process and a solid foundation is very important.
People are creatures of habit and it’s hard to change everything at once. If you are someone who never goes to the gym, start by signing up for two or three exercise classes per week. Consistency is king and the way to success is finding some new healthy habits that you can maintain in the long run.

Another tip is to grab a buddy to join you on your fitness journey. Everything is more fun when done with good company. Find a friend who can motivate you, work out with you, and help you make better choices when it comes to nutrition. But be mindful of who you choose, because some friends are just better for wine nights and Taco Tuesday rather than squats and runs. Use all the support your circle can offer and find someone who is willing to make lifestyle changes with you.

A very helpful change that can support your goals is to make fitness part of your existing routine. If you take the car to work but you can actually walk there when the weather is nice, leave the car at home. Try to sandwich exercise into existing habits, like doing 10 push-ups right before you brush your teeth, or 30 sit ups as soon as you wake up. Adding small exercises around your existing habits saves you time and ultimately helps you form a healthier routine.

While building new habits and challenging yourself, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do something that you don’t like. If you don’t enjoy working out in the morning, then don’t. If you don’t like playing soccer at night, then don’t. If you hate yoga, then don’t do yoga. The magic thing about exercising and being healthy is that there are a million different ways to do it. Try combining exercise with something that you already enjoy, like getting coffee with friends after a new workout class, to help you stay motivated. If you keep trying new things, there is absolutely no way you won’t figure out some type of exercise you find rewarding.

Lastly, plan the work and work the plan. Don’t leave your health and fitness to chance. Put workouts down on your calendar and treat it as anything else you have to do during the day. It might be hard to commit in the beginning, but habits are formed by simply doing the same behavior over and over again until it comes naturally. With that being said, if your goal is to lose weight and get healthier, you must make sure the rest of your day aligns with that goal as well. Exercise is essential but nutrition is key when it comes to weight loss. You can’t out-train a bad diet and you want overall choices to be supporting that goal instead of sabotaging it.

Tina Morin is the Founder and Program Manager of MSC Strength & Conditioning. She is a StrongFirst Level 2 kettlebell instructor, CPT-certifies personal trainer, and Balanced Body Pilates instructor.