Three steps to help you smash your fitness goals

Are you interested in your health and wellness and are you full-on committed? Such a simple question with crazy results either way. Right?

As a certified fitness trainer, I work with lots of clients all over the United States who are really smashing their goals. So, what’s the difference between those who reach their goals and those who quit after a few short weeks?

In my experience, having a plan is the biggest difference from those who succeed and those who don’t.

You don’t drive to the grocery store without knowing how to get there. Same thing with your fitness. You can’t walk into a gym and meander around expecting results.

You must have a plan.

So, what’s it gonna look like? Your plan should contain a specific road map that you can follow that works for you. It is never a “one plan fits all” scenario. It has to be your plan.

Three components that your plan should cover:

1. Ac- countability.

You must be accountable to yourself and your new routine so that you can reach your goals. If you can’t afford a fitness professional, grab a workout buddy that will help you be accountable. Download one of the many apps where you can track what you do and what you eat.

And for gosh sake, don’t wait. When is a good time to start creating a healthier lifestyle and incorporating a new fitness routine? NOW.

2. Nutrition.

When you put real, high quality nutrition into your body, you will see and feel tremendous results. I have friends who are always tired, lethargic, fatigued and they never have the energy to do anything but take a nap at 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Good nutrition is mandatory in changing your physique and providing your body the optimum nutrients to perform efficiently. You don’t have to weigh and measure every bite you take, but it does require some effort on your part.

3. Exercises.

Grab a workout buddy or hire a qualified coach, then create your plan and get busy. I know it can feel very overwhelming and confusing not knowing where to begin. That’s exactly what your coach will help you with. He or she will design a simple plan, specifically for you that you can follow.

Think about what motivates you. If you were never one to exercise, maybe you enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Have you considered using one of your breaks at work just to walk around outside for even 15 minutes a day?

The second thing you need for consistency is a goal — long-term goals, smaller goals and even smaller goals. An example of this might be a run from Sandpoint to Sagle. That’s a long-term goal. The stepping-stone goals for that are to run to the end of the block, then from Sandpoint to Dover and, well, you get the picture. Before long you will be setting and achieving yet another goal.

Some other tthings to keep in mind as you begin your journey;

1. Read the labels on what you are buying. If you do not know what an ingredient is, you probably shouldn’t consume it.

2. Stop eating processed food.

3. Sugary-filled products in brightly colored packages have a nutritional value.

4. Eat your vegetables.

5. Drink plenty of water.

6. Move your body daily.

Natalie Dreger is a certified fitness professional and can be reached at nataliedreger.com.