Get Fit - 5 Easy Steps

LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS...

In all honesty, I named this post “Get Fit – 5 Easy Steps” because “Fitness for People who are Allergic to the Gym and Unwilling to Give Up Pizza” was too long of a title. Let me start with these mind-blowing facts: You don’t have to go to the gym to get fit, you don’t need a personal trainer to get fit, AND you don’t even have to leave your house to get the body you’ve been wishing for. I’ve known so many people who drastically changed their lifestyles in order to reach body acceptance. Not only did they set unrealistic goals, but also they hated the fitness journey like hell. First of all, you have to identify what “fit” is to you, because it varies from person to person. Nobody should strive to look like Kate Moss in her heyday. That’s just ridiculous! This is THE SECRET to solving your Body Blues: Toss out the junk food, set a realistic goal, and choose a routine that matches your current lifestyle.

Since I’m one of those gym-repelled people—as in the polar-opposite of athletic, hates working out in front of people, and spits out protein shakes (because they taste like dirt)--I decided to create EASY WORKOUT METHODS for all of you out there who are just like me. So, let’s cut the literary chitchat and BEGIN.

1.) Start with the munchies.

I get the struggle. We all have cravings. I have cravings all the time, pregnant or not. But you don’t have to say goodbye to burgers and pizza in order to achieve the belly you’ve always dreamed of. There are so many alternative recipes to these historically fattening dishes. Instead of ordering a greasy pizza, make a personal pizza using premade dough and fresh ingredients. Instead of going for that fatty cheeseburger, get a turkey burger with low-fat mozzarella. If your taste buds are salivating for salt, don’t choose French Fries. Choose pretzels. They’re just as satisfying if you pick the right, light condiment. Trust me, you can turn bad calories into good calories by simply modifying your favorite foods. By cooking nutritious versions of these junk foods, you’ll be giving your body what it needs and improving your cooking skills AT THE SAME TIME. Even Twinkies can be healthy! (Seriously, look up the recipe online.)

2.) Do your chores.

I know I sound like your Mom or Dad right now. But chores ain’t so bad! I assure you, doing housework has a ton of benefits. Everybody has chores, so why not turn them into a workout routine? I counted how many times I’ve climbed up and down the steps with a heavy laundry basket. It’s the equivalent of carrying 20-25 lbs. up and down 5 flights of stairs in ONE HOUR. Needless to say, doing laundry alone burns A LOT of calories. The proof is the bullets of sweat on my forehead and the ache in my legs and arms. (But it hurts so goooood!) So, clean out your closet, mop the floor, sweep the porch, be Cinderella a couple times a week. Not only will your house look stunning, but you’ll also feel like the belle of the frickin’ ball!

3.) Dance like no one is watching.

Have you ever felt that happy buzz while dancing? Do you ever lip synch to Bruno Mars in the bathroom? Hey, we’ve all done it. I’ve certainly done it many, many times, BUT I’m not embarrassed. Both dancing and singing releases endorphins and tightens your core. Use those feel-good moments to your advantage! If you have a mirror in your house, get in front of it, put on your headphones, and get into the music video mindset. Put on a song that gets you hyped, and JUST DANCE! It’s exciting, it exercises the imagination, and it definitely makes you break a sweat. Just take a few minutes out of your day to grab your iPod and daydream while burning that stubborn fat. Shake that thang, and you’ll be SHOOK.

4.) Yoga is awesome.

I know what you’re thinking. “Yoga takes time to master,” or, “I don’t know any poses.” Don’t worry. This is why we have that glorious thing called the Internet. Get a basic idea of the poses by looking at Google images or Pinterest. Practice those poses. But here’s the thing…you don’t have to perfect the poses you discover. Create your own poses that suit your needs, and be your own instructor! Keep pushing yourself to bend in ways that you never thought possible. (But don’t hurt yourself, of course.) Music really helps. I find myself doing interpretive yoga to my choice slow-songs like “Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith. And it’s BEYOND FUN! The best part is you can do this by yourself, with a friend, and with your kids. That once boring yoga routine can be transformed into an imaginative game you can play with the whole squad. Do this three times a week or more, and both your mind and your body will become more flexible!

5.) WALK, WALK, WALK

This might be the simplest technique of all. Just choose your legs over wheels and lifts. If you live close to a store, walk there instead of taking the bus or driving. Or say you have a friend that lives near you. Instead of upping your mileage by driving to their house, stroll the scenic route and get to know your neighborhood better. I guarantee you will notice things that you’ve never noticed before while crouching in your car. Walking builds your leg muscles without wasting gas. Also, if you’re going to your office or staying in a hotel, take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator (unless you live/work on the 26th floor). This simple, everyday habit will make your gluteus maximus the ENVY of the GODS. Plus, you won’t be crammed in a stuffy elevator with a bunch of germy people. (I’m sure that’s on everyone’s list of pet peeves.)

Don’t give up!

I solemnly swear, if you do these five SIMPLE and EASY fitness methods, you’ll instantly feel good results. Now, I’m not going to promise that you’ll look like Channing Tatum in a month. I mean, the Dad-bod is still a thing--don’t knock that look. I’m not going to promise that you’ll look like Kim Kardashian in six weeks. Realistically, who can afford that gargantuan amount of plastic surgery? Come on, guys. Be real and don’t rely on the mirror or the scale. Rely on the sensation of soreness you feel throughout your body. That soreness is the real sign of growth.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. These changes take time. Take it easy by challenging yourself in the most enjoyable way possible. I know that sounds counterintuitive. But turning your seemingly mundane routine into a fitness challenge will improve your lifestyle, your habits, and your wellbeing. Getting fit isn’t supposed to be daunting or god-awful. It’s supposed to be fun with minimal sacrifice. You’re not changing yourself. You’re just leveling up to be a better and sexier YOU. I’m telling you, these 5 STEPS will make you sing in the shower and drop the mic before you dance toward the towels. To all of my fellow-trying-to-get-fit people out there, kick your goals in the backside and enjoy every minute of it!