Bengaluru-based fitness coach shares 25 tips that will help you get in best shape

Celebrating small wins and taking baby steps help one become consistent with their workouts (Picture Credit: Unsplash)

Thanks to more awareness through social media, more and more people are beginning to realise the importance of staying fit and prioritising health.  The moment you start working on your fitness level and health, you start to feel good and confident in your skin. While there are many benefits of being on social media, one major downside is that the onslaught of information, fitness tips and advice can get really confusing.

Come to think of it, sometimes one gets the impression from social media that getting fit involves a lot of hard work, discipline, crazy diets and long hours of workout. Bengaluru-based fitness coach Vijay Kumar told Moneycontrol that getting fit is one of the easiest things to do if one follows simple hacks.

25 fitness tips that can change the way you look and feel in your skin:

* Train for joy, not punishment
Stop working out to “burn out” calories. Instead, move, because you really want to. This mental shift will surely make it easier for you to be consistent at workouts.

* Do one ‘non-negotiable’ habit daily
Whether it’s a 10-minute walk, 20 squats, or stretching before bed, decide on any one small habit and then practice it everyday without fail.

* Pair workouts with an emotional trigger
Play the same playlist or light the same candle before a workout. Wondering how it will help? Well, it will condition your brain to switch into “go mode.”

Also read: From walking with a stick to now doing pilates at 86, know Salman Khan's step mother's fitness secret

* Focus on ‘movement snacks’
Don't feel like going for a 1 hour workout session? It's fine. Skip long sessions when life’s busy and instead, do mini 5-minute bursts. It could include walking on stairs, doing pushups and stretches. This will help you stay motivated and disciplined in the long run.

* Lift for your future self
Think of questions like “Can I lift my own suitcase at 70?” instead of asking yourself “Can I see abs by summer?”. Think about your future self, and then you will strive harder to be more consistent.

* Schedule workouts like meetings
If it’s on your calendar, it’s real. Don’t have this mentality where you give your workouts the last priority over everything else.

* Find your ‘anchor workout’
Pick one exercise you absolutely love. It could be dancing, cycling and even yoga. On days when it appears tough, just do that form of workout that you simple look forward to doing the most. This again will help you get movement on days when you feel like you're slacking.

* Track how you feel, not just how much you weigh
A lot of people tend to ignore their energy levels, mood and strength. However, all these things are better metrics than just the number on a weighing scale. So, focus on how you feel in your skin and rest everything will eventually fall in place.

Look forward to getting movement everyday (Picture Credit: Unsplash)

* Use the 5-minute rule
Develop the attitude of showing up, even if it is just for 5 minutes. If your body and mind still doesn't align, you can then decide to discontinue. The key is to always give things a try.

* Train your grip
Grip strength is linked to overall strength, aging, and longevity. So, focus more on doing exercises that can help build your grip.

Also read: On World Stroke Day, Nithin Kamath recounts his BIGGEST mistake when he had a heart attack

* Never miss stretching exercises 
Most tightness and inflexibility comes in one's body from stress, not inactivity. Mindful breathing while stretching can relieve both.

* Walk after every meal
A 10-minute stroll can help stabilise your blood sugar levels, aid in digestion, and help in recovery.

* Upgrade your environment
Keep your workout mat at a place where you can see it everyday. You should also keep your workout clothes and shoes in similar manner. This will remind you everyday to get that movement.

* Learn to rest actively
Foam rolling, yoga, or light mobility work count as progress. All these things give rest to your body and rejuvenate it at the same time.

* Train balance and coordination
For better balance and coordination, you can start doing simple things like standing on your leg while brushing teeth. This will help improve your posture and brain-body connection.

* Do workouts you can do anywhere
There are many forms of workouts which don't require heavy equipment. For instance, bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or mobility flows can easily help you get movement during the day even when you don't feel like going out.

* Sleep like it’s part of your workout plan
A lot of people don't know this that muscles don’t get build in the gym. In fact, they grow while one is asleep.

* Hydrate smartly
Add a pinch of salt or electrolytes to your water during intense workouts. Hydration isn’t just about quantity.

* Celebrate consistency
Celebrate the fact that you showed up for whatever number of days consistently without fail. Small wins are always rewarding and keep pushing one to strive for more.

* Unlearn ‘no pain, no gain'
It's one of the adages that is really misunderstood. What people need to understand is that progress doesn’t require punishment. All one needs to do is make sustainable efforts instead of going to extreme lengths all the time.

* Mix stability with chaosTo dial up the fun quotient, you can introduce sandbags, kettlebells, or uneven loads to your workout regime. This will help activate deeper muscle groups and ensure your workouts are fun and exciting.

* Warm up your mind, not just your muscles
Two minutes of deep breathing before you start your workout can help improve focus and performance.

* Eat protein in every meal
Consuming protein-rich meals help stabilize energy, reduce cravings, and keep you full for long hours. So, have protein on days when you're not doing strength training.

* Take rest days seriously
Your nervous system needs a break as much as your muscles do. Always remember recovery is part of training. So, enjoy your rest days too.

Also read: Treadmill running vs running outdoors: Fitness coach shares which one is best for you

* Positive affirmations
Stop saying “I’m trying to get fit.” Start saying, “I’m the kind of person who moves daily.” The body follows the mind and it can make a huge difference in the long run.

FAQs on why getting fit is important:

1. Why is physical fitness important?
It strengthens your heart, muscles, and bones while boosting overall health.

2. Does getting fit improve mental health?
Yes—regular exercise reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.

3. Can fitness help with weight control?
Absolutely—staying active helps burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.

4. How does being fit affect daily life?
It increases energy, improves sleep, and makes daily tasks easier.

5. Is it ever too late to get fit?
No—any age is a good time to start moving and improving your health.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.