Getting in shape is hard work. That’s the truth, no matter how much you might want it to be otherwise. In fact, getting in shape requires a level of commitment and dedication that many people simply aren’t prepared for when they start on their fitness journey. And while it may seem like there are a lot of things that can make staying fit difficult—like trying to maintain an exercise plan while also maintaining your social life or having trouble finding motivation after several weeks without seeing results—there are really only three key barriers: motivation/discipline, patience, and sticking to a plan. These three elements are crucial if you want to stay in shape long-term; they’ll get you there even if they seem overwhelming at first glance!
Sticking to a plan
The hardest thing about getting fit is sticking to a plan. It takes a willingness and determination to have a plan and commit to it. Not to mention the ability to experiment with different approaches. You need to find a plan that works for you, one that fits your lifestyle, goals and personality.
Finding the right workout routine can feel like a daunting task—one that can leave you feeling exhausted before you’ve even begun! However, once you find something that feels like the perfect fit for your life (and body), then it will be easier to stick with it through thick and thin.
Eating properly
Eating properly is important, but it can be difficult to get the right kind of food when you’re on a budget. Here are some tips for eating healthy without breaking the bank:
- Plan what you’ll eat ahead of time. This will save money and ensure that you never go hungry.
- Buy foods that are in season and local to your area. This ensures that the food is fresh and has not traveled far from its source, which usually makes it cheaper than imported items from another country or state!
- If possible, cook your own meals at home instead of going out to eat at restaurants where prices tend to be higher due to overhead costs like rent plus staff salaries (which means less profit margin). Eating out often leads people down unhealthy paths because they don’t know exactly what goes into their food; whereas if someone cooks something themselves then they have more control over what goes into it!
Motivation and discipline
The hardest part of getting fit? Staying motivated. Motivation can be fleeting and it doesn’t last forever. The real challenge is how to stay disciplined and keep your motivation in check, so that you are consistent with your exercise goals
To overcome this challenge, ask yourself these questions:
- What do I want my body to look like in the future?
- How does that vision make me feel? Will I feel good about myself if I don’t achieve my fitness goals?
- Why am I exercising (or eating healthy) in the first place? Is it something that brings me pleasure or helps me function better at work or school? Or is it because someone else wants me to change—a partner, friend, parent—and what they have said has made me feel guilty enough to try something new out of fear that if I don’t change now then one day later down the road when we’re married together for decades on end there will be no other option but divorce!
Being patient to see results
Being patient enough to see results can be difficult. People often look at their progress and feel like they aren’t making any, and then they get discouraged and give up. But no matter how slow your progress seems at times, it’s important to remember that you’re doing something right if you’re still putting in the work!
If you find yourself comparing yourself to friends or family members who are more advanced than you are though, try not to let it get you down. Everyone has an individual journey when it comes to fitness—and yours might just take longer than theirs!
Getting in shape is hard work!
Getting in shape is hard work. It takes time to see results. You have to be patient and dedicated, but also stay motivated and stick with a plan. If you don’t eat properly, then your body will never get its full potential from the workouts you do; it’s all about consistency!
If you think about the reasons why you want to start exercising and eating healthy, they’re probably things like how good you feel when you get out of bed; how much more energy you have throughout the day; how much better your relationships are with others when they see your positive change. All of these benefits will motivate you to stick with your plan no matter what obstacles may come up during this journey!
