Hoping to get in shape? Losing weight isn't easy --- it takes consistent healthy eating, exercise and good lifestyle choices. If you're hoping to drop 10 or more pounds, and keep the weight off, you'll need a fitness plan. Before you start that next diet or exercise regime, sit down for 30 to 60 minutes and develop a fitness goal that is both realistic and enjoyable.

Take Stock of Yourself

Until you get specific about what you want to accomplish, you'll flounder around without seeing many results. Think hard about what you want to achieve. Most fitness goals fit into two categories --- either you want to lose weight and get in better shape, or you want to accomplish some type of physical challenge. Maybe you want to run in a 5K race, compete in a triathlon or play in a company softball game. Think hard about what you are specifically hoping to do and write down your goal. Display your goal in a place where you will see it often and remind yourself why you're working so hard.

You Are What You Eat

Pretty much any type of fitness plan will require a diet component. Hoping to lose weight? Then you'll likely need to consume healthier food and less calories. Need the strength to run in a race? Then you'll need lean proteins to build muscles and dynamic carbs to power you to the next level. Whatever your goal, grab a piece of paper and write out five columns --- breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and light dinner. Each day of the week should have its own row on your chart. Fill out the chart with healthy food choices --- organic, natural foods are generally better than processed foods with preservatives. Do your best to stick to your diet and bring your chart to the grocery store to help make healthy choices.

Exercise for the future

Exercise is a critical component of any fitness plan. Most physical trainers recommend a combination or cardio exercise and weight training. It's also good to throw in a little recreation like rollerbladding or tennis. To develop a regular fitness plan, print out a seven-day calendar and fill in the time slots for your day-to-day schedule. That could include work, church and social events. Now carefully look at the remaining blank spots on the calendar and try to find two places where you could pencil in a cardio workout. Then look for another two places where you could fit in some strength training. Finally, find a spot where you can enjoy a recreational activity, maybe on the weekend or during a lunch break. Once you have your schedule nailed down, do your best to stick to your plan.

Assess Those Bad Habits

Whenever you're developing a fitness plan, it's also important to look at the behaviors that might be holding you back from meeting your goal. Tobacco, alcohol, fast food and excessive caffeine can hurt any successful fitness plan. Take a serious look at your habits, and come up with a plan to ween yourself off the very bad vices. And don't be afraid to ask for help --- there are plenty of great support groups and trained professionals who can help you overcome those bad habits.

Take Advantage of Technology

The advent of smart phone technology has revolutionized fitness. Fitness newbies can take advantage of thousands of downloadable applications that help count calories, track workouts and or log miles on your weekly run. Sites like MapMyRun.com help you track your workouts, while Active.com keeps you informed of upcoming fitness events. There are thousands of resources online for people who want to get in shape.

Source:

Your Fitness Plan For Life

Importance of Setting Fitness Goals