I think this is probably the most requested post. I get asked about my fitness routine all the time. But if you ask me there are only two rules- eat right and work out. Still I have a few tips that might help some of you and help you get going.
Some disclaimers :
I have been working out for almost 4 years now so what you see in my body now is actually a LOT of hard work and dedication over the years.
I am no expert. These are the things that work for me so I am sharing with you all. If you have any medical issues you should DEFINITELY consult with your doctor.
1.Be Regular : One of the most important tips. I mean I work out at least 4 days a week and I have been doing it throughout . If you work out one week with full-on motivation and totally ‘kill it’ in the gym, and then don’t workout for next 2 weeks it is not going to help. Go slow, start slow but be consistent. More than losing weight it is about keeping your body fit. I remember not being able to climb a flight of stairs a few years back without getting tired…I have come a long way since then. You would lose weight but you’d start feeling fit and better if you exercise regularly. Workout is so much more than just being thin. It helps your both physically and mentally. I see women age 60+ working out in my gym regularly. They are for sure not working out to get a hot body. If that does not motivate you enough I don’t know what would.
2. Eating Right : I am one of the worst dieters you would ever come across. You put me on a diet and the only thing I’d think about is food. I’d become cranky and on a cheat day I’d binge like the world is going to crash. 😐 So I eat healthy most of the time (mostly dal, sabzi, roti, some salad on the side) and honestly I have started enjoying all the veggies and fruits. I just like them. Plus I am a vegetarian and I eat eggs so quitting on meat or chicken was never my area of concern. I think it is about making healthy choices- picking a whole grain bread over white, eating a pizza with lots of veggies rather than a full on four cheese pizza or eating a bite or two of a chocolate cake rather than devouring it. Also, control your portions. You are not going anywhere. The food is not going anywhere. So you can always eat a portion of your favourite thing in second round after a few hours than gulping it down in one go and making your body suffer for it. If you are in a restaurant, you could always ask them to pack the rest of the meal..you know common sense and being responsible for your own well being.
3. Invest in a good trainer : A good trainer is an investment. You could find a trainer at most gyms. They’d charge you a bit extra for personal training but it is worth it. You could stop that expense once you get in the routine and you become aware of what works the best for your body. I personally have a lot on my mind on a daily basis so I can’t go to the gym and decide what workout I have to do. I also have a lot of stressful days and days when I am very demotivated ..those are the days when I really need a push. But on your demotivated days also you HAVE to dress up, lace up your shoes and go to the gym. If you don’t turn up only no one can help you. This elaborates my point 1 even more. For those who are pressed on time, girls you have Youtube. It is Godsent, trust me. 😛 Just play anything- a 20 minute workout session, bhangra, loud Bollywood music, jazz , climb the stairs, skip, or whatever gets you going. Just shake that bottay!!! It would do you good. And if you have kids do it with them. wouldn’t it be fun? :)) As Nike would would put it ‘Just do it’. √
4. Don’t fall for fads : I don’t know of these waist trainers or detox teas work or not.I have never tried them.I struggle to drink a cup of green tea only. 😐 I am sure they work but the first thing is to work hard and then may be you could do these things to push you further. But this is not where you start and expect miracles to happen. The first step is to get regular with your workouts and eat healthy.
5. Weight Training does not make your body builder : I don’t think anything other than weight training has made my body so toned. I love it. You could get some weights at home only and do the lifts. Especially women have issues with either flabby arms or thighs, weights really help you in getting those muscles toned. You could start with 1-2 kgs weights. If you have nothing those 1 litre bottles are a good start. See, no excuses. 😀 If you are lifting heavy it is always better to do under someone’s guidance so that you don’t injure yourself.
6. Get comfortable with your body : This is one of my recent findings but what a charming one. 😀 I was watching Kung Fu Panda the other day and you know the only way he’d stay motivated was ‘food /dimsums’. It got me into thinking what keeps me motivated. It’s clothes. 😀 I have started wearing a lot of crop tops, shorts, long shirts while at home. Not only they help me in getting comfortable with how my body looks but when I keep seeing my waist in the mirror every now and then it helps me refrain from eating that extra Bourbon. I mean it is very weird but it has helped me so much in accepting my body the way it is. Plus I work hard for my body so why not enjoy the benefits rather than being hard on yourself all the time. So see what could keep your going – it could be anything from being fit for your kids to wearing a bikini on the beach or enjoying that luxurious meal with your loved one. Just find what would be your ‘dimsum’.
My fitness routine includes a mish-mash of everything because I get bored and then I crib so you know… So it is a mix of strength, cardio and weight training. I pretty much do everything (not in one go ofcourse) running, jogging, lifting weights, squats, leg curls, arm curls, plank, crunches, skipping (I LOVE IT)… Basically you just move that bum and it’d do good to you. So anything..just move! :) And I workout an hour a day for atleast 4 days a week.
You know at the end of it there no is limit to how far you can go but you should atleast reach a point where you are happy with yourself and you are leading a healthy life. Health is wealth. Learnt it the hard way. :)
Hope you find this helpful and I would love to know your tips too. :)) Good Luck! :)
My fitness routine includes a mish-mash of everything because I get bored and then I crib so you know… So it is a mix of strength, cardio and weight training. I pretty much do everything (not in one go ofcourse) running, jogging, lifting weights, squats, leg curls, arm curls, plank, crunches, skipping (I LOVE IT)… Basically you just move that bum and it’d do good to you. So anything..just move! :) And I workout an hour a day for atleast 4 days a week.
You know at the end of it there no is limit to how far you can go but you should atleast reach a point where you are happy with yourself and you are leading a healthy life. Health is wealth. Learnt it the hard way. :)
Hope you find this helpful and I would love to know your tips too. :)) Good Luck! :)
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