How to keep fit. Isn’t that a question? There are so many things one can do to get fit. But how do we keep fit? How do we maintain our fitness levels? Life happens every day and we have to find a way around to make space to keep working on our fitness.
It can and is challenging, but beyond the challenges, there is a world of fun to be had. It does not matter what your age or fitness level is. You can start today.
10 top tips on how to keep fit
- don’t overthink it
- start now
- perfection is not necessary
- start today
- find some friends to join you
- never give up
- adjust if necessary
- start now
- learn, read and inform yourself
- don’t limit yourself
starting off …
I remember starting out with the very basic program offered on the Garmin website; it was walking for most of the time with short sections of running put in between.
Having such a clear memory of my struggle through the very first minute of running stays with me. I think I had my eyes glued to the face of my watch the whole time. Waiting for the minute to pass and feeling that it never would. I was elated and so happy to have finally made the start.
I had survived and managed to finish the workout. When I think back to that time, I am happy to see that some progress has been made, but I still now have unfulfilled goals to go after, for as long as I am able.
Don’t overthink it, just do it. You don’t need fancy gear to go for a walk. When you have been out regularly, then treat yourself to a pair of good running shoes, I love these ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 27 Running Shoes. They are not specialist shoes. I do not have anything to correct in the way I run, so they work for me.
One step at a time.
… then be consistent
I have been really struggling through the last decade to keep running consistently. I have often felt so embarrassed by my age!
Sometimes, even so, discouraged when sickness or injury has stopped me from progressing. I always try to keep self-motivated and to get myself out of the door. It did not matter what the weather was like. Many times all I have managed to do was put on my running shoes and get out of the door.
That was an achievement in itself. I was happy too if I just walked it out.
I have since discovered that the only way for me to keep up this fitness, and for it not to be just a fad is to: sign up for a race and to decide that no matter the weather – I will get out of the door.
Two keys for me are also to have a good running program and for me to have great headphones. I love these JBL Endurance Jump Waterproof Wireless Sports in-Ear Headphones, mine are red. They were not expensive and they are robust. The sound is good and I have no need or desire to change them. They are a good place to start with. These are the main things that really get.
Step two can then be to look for a beginner running program, they are very helpful. I love and have always used the Garmin Running Programs. They have programs for every level – absolute beginner to most advanced. they are wonderful.
And Step three, headphones – this is totally optional, but I love mine. I listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. Soon you will not even realize you have been running. So, it is not essential but I highly recommend good headphones.
These have become so important to me as they help my motivation and give me another reason to get out there. I love listening to the next chapter or next part of the podcast.
… gather your friends and family
I have always tried to start the race with my friends, and because they are all much younger and fitter than me, I have always said that we could all start together, but I’d prefer to run alone and that I would be happy to meet them at the end.
This has worked so well, and I’ve loved the community commitment as we do this together. I’ve also built up a community online. We track each other’s journeys, successes, and failures.
Your family may also become your biggest fans. My family cheers me on and so do my friends.
… find what you love
I recently tried out a triathlon after I’d done a couple of 5km, 10km, and half marathons. I loved the triathlon, so surprising! At this stage of my life I’m planning on staying with the triathlons, and the shorter runs – I’m not aiming for the half marathons anymore, and I am okay with that.
I think that this is so key – find your fitness life, what is it for you? Give it your best. Run or walk your own race but keep moving forward as you explore and discover what you love to do.
If you like to walk, please also feel most welcome to join in the fitness growth fun – but let us keep it moving forward together, I think this will set us all up to stay fit and healthy, no matter what our health condition is like or what our age is.
Let’s get outdoors, enjoy our surroundings, and find some friends.
My husband’s best space is walking the dog, twice a day – that keeps his head clear, heart open, and his health in a good place. He discovered early on that running was not for him, so feel free to find your best space too.
… encourage everyone to keep fit, even yourself
I hope that my journey will be able to encourage you. I’d love for you to journey with me and let’s learn together. This is not a professional training place, but it is a place for us to have honest fun together, and when it isn’t looking too pretty, we can be honest too.
So put on your walking or running shoes and whatever other gear you need and let’s head out of the door as we try to maintain healthy fitness together.
Don’t give up, adjust if necessary. I have done so numerous times. Only you can limit yourself, don’t let others do that to you.
Let me know in the comments sections what you like to do to stay fit. I’d love to learn about what works for you too.
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