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Fad to lifestyle: Fitness secrets you need to know

Adopt a positive outlook to achieve your desired look.

No two bodies are alike, so what you admire on others at the gym, or even popular icons, ranging from celebrities to sportspeople, may be a challenge to achieve. However, it isn't impossible. Before you embark on that physical journey, you need to align your mental state with your will. The desire to get fit is a great thought, but you also need to be fully invested in the idea. Sometimes we are our own enemy, adding in unnecessary obstacles. Breaking through these is the first step to success. As soon as you overcome the barrier, you will be able enter that incredible cycle of conscious and mindful fitness with long-term rewards.

A word of advice, there are no shortcuts. So, steer clear from "quick, get fit schemes" that promise weight loss or a buff bod in a span of few days or weeks. These are often loaded with ingredients that seem to work its magic at first, but if stopped, it may negatively affect your health. Additionally, some of these even reset all the hard work you've put in, and can add far more pounds to your shape than what you'd first started with. Good and healthy fitness takes time and patience, but rest assured you will get there. And for that to happen, you need to introduce and adjust yourself to certain practices that would eventually become a habit and assist you in that smooth transition to a healthy lifestyle.

Fitness is not a fad, it's a way of life. Having the right mind-set goes a long way into enjoying what you do and makes you less likely to cheat or drift away from your original intentions.

Whatever your fitness goal may be - lean and mean, or heavy with gains - here are some healthy habits to aid your journey. Even if it's just a quick session, always set aside some time for your workout:

Stay committed

Don't overexert yourself on rest days, but try to incorporate simple activities such as walking for at least 30 minutes. The dedication to a workout will continuously remind your body of its routine and encourage a fat-burning process. Remember not to push yourself too much, and yes, it's okay to have at least one cheat day.

Make healthy lifestyle a permanent habit

Short-term fixes may seem to do that job, but stopping that routine for a few days or weeks will only bring you back to square one. Once there, the old routines won't be as effective. Train and maintain your lifestyle beyond a set period; make it a part of your life, and stay positive way to the thought. Consistency is key to getting that body you've always desired.

Walk regularly

Add the concept of walking into your daily routine such that, even if you're not in the mood to lift some heavy weights or go hard on the cardio, at least you're giving your body some form of workout. If possible and your situation allows it, you can also walk out to run errands, such as your weekly groceries.

Include a protein-fuelled breakfast

Get rid of sugar-coated cereals and add protein-rich options such as eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt, nuts and meat to fuel your body. There are several benefits to this. A high protein breakfast helps curb post-meal cravings so you won't be tempted to grab that unhealthy snack. It also helps burn fat a lot easier and gain you to gain less fat.

Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate

Many guys tend to skip out on the fluids, but a nice bottle of water is essential to your fitness goals. Drinking water also aids in weight loss. Get in the habit of drinking a glass before every meal. Also try adding a glass or two as the first thing in the morning. This helps to get your metabolism running, gives you energy and rehydrates your body.

Cook at home as much as possible

Home-cooked meals are naturally healthier than takeout because you control exactly what goes into your dishes. If you don't have the time and are able to afford it, opt for special meal plans that are designed with fitness in mind. These involve consulting a nutritionist for a customised regime then have it delivered straight to your doorstep.

Note everything down

Keep a fitness diary. Yes, it might sound a bit of a task, but trust us, it's worth it. Tracking the days of the week and everything you have done in terms of workouts and diet can help in times of redesigning or rearranging your schedule. It will also help you stay motivated. If running short on time, simply prepare short voice logs or invest in a tracker.