A new year has started, and getting in shape or living a healthier life are two of the most common new year's resolutions. Everyone wants to be in shape and healthy, but it takes time and effort to achieve that level. Working out, eating right, and living healthy overall may not be the most exciting goals, and it will take time, money, and hard work, but it is entirely achievable. With some planning, help from modern technology, and determination, you can make 2021 your healthiest year yet. Make this the year you get in shape and live healthy so you can continue the momentum for years to come. Here is everything you need to know and some suggestions to get started on your happy, healthy 2021.
Interest And Entertainment For Better Workouts
One of the most common barriers to a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise is constituent interest. Working out can certainly be boring, uninteresting, and feel like a chore more than something you want to do. Some people thrive in a big gym and can work out with only music in their wireless headphones to keep them entertained for the whole workout, but that option is not available or appealing for everyone. Thankfully, there are other options for the people that get bored working out in gyms or at home. Gyms and exercise classes might not be open right now, but that doesn't mean you are only stuck with bodyweight exercises at home because technology is here to help.
Repeating the same routine of bodyweight exercises gets monotonous and will erode your motivation to stay on track. Instead of relying on what you know or can invent, turn to the Internet for some freshness. There are a slew of fitness apps that have a nearly endless selection of workout classes. If you are bored with cardio, switch to a yoga class, or take a martial arts class for something new. Add some wireless speakers to your workout area to blast music or listen to your workout class of choice. Many fitness apps that offer classes also connect to fitness trackers, so you know precisely how hard classes push you. You can use technology to spice up your workouts or connect all your smart fitness devices to take your healthy goal to the next level.
Eat The Right Fuel
Regular exercise is only part of the equation that creates a healthy life. You must also eat the right food to give your body the fuel it needs to make it through workouts and recover afterward. Comfort and junk food may be a nice treat, but it is not the right fuel for your body. If you are committed to living healthy this year, you must address your diet. Swap out unhealthy, sugar-loaded foods with natural and organic alternatives. Candy, cookies, and cake are sweet, but you can get natural sweetness from fruits instead. Ensure you have enough protein in your diet to help your muscles get the most from your workouts, and replace all sodas with water to stay adequately hydrated throughout the day. You can also log your daily food intake to keep a closer eye on what you put in your body. There are paper food journals, but many fitness tracker companion apps have food log features so that you can log on the go.
Stretching And Recovery
There are many parts that make up a healthy lifestyle; while regular exercise and a good diet are the key pillars of healthy living, you also must factor in recovery and how you treat your body. You cannot expect to push your body hard in workouts and be ready to go the next day. However, many people forget the stretch and recover after workouts and are then surprised when they are overly sore the next day. After a workout, take the time to cool down and stretch out while rehydrating. You can also stretch again before bed to relax your body before bed and get your body ready for a workout tomorrow.
Stretching does not mean doing the splits or other advanced flexibility positions right away. Stretching after a workout doesn't even need to focus on flexibility necessarily. Stretching after a workout is to help your muscles recover and take advantage of your muscles being warm to get an extra flexibility boost. Be careful not to overstretch or go past your current limit, as pulling a ligament, tendon, or muscle can take weeks to recover fully.
Everyone should try to live a healthy life, but it is not something that happens overnight. If you want to be healthy in 2021, now is the time to commit to regular exercise, a good diet, and proper recovery. Combine all the pillars of healthy living, and you will be well on your way to a fit 2021 and beyond.
About the author:
Naomi Shaw is a freelance journalist residing in sunny Southern California with her husband and three children. She is a work-at-home mom that enjoys writing on fashion, beauty, jewelry, and everything weddings!