How To Get The Best Results From Working Out

It seems we can`t walk down the street, open a magazine or browse the internet without seeing some advert for a gym or article about getting `6 pack abs in 4 weeks` these days. The fitness industry is an ever growing one and is big business. But as if often the case when big money is involved, every company wants to sell you something and it can be hard for the average member of the public to know what works. Especially with the popularity of the internet a new wave of online `professionals` is now espousing their wisdom to the masses. Some of these are actually very helpful giving out free advice on sites such as youtube simply out of their own passion for fitness. Others though, seem to be dream sellers. Promoting their program/supplement as the be all and end all way of getting quick and easy results, these guys seem only concerned with taking advantage of the ignorance of the masses. There is an information overload with so many people often giving totally contradictory advice it can be nigh on impossible to figure out what works FOR YOU! This inevitably leads to frustration and the feeling that it`s impossible to get results. Happily though this isn`t true! Getting into shape is actually fairly straight forward. Straight forward but by no means easy. it involves making big changes for most. Breaking deeply ingrained habits and learning make sensible decisions about both diet and exercise. This is where it is good to get the advice and guidance of a professional. Sometimes all we need is a push in the right direction. As a personal trainer I make a living from helping people get into shape and reach their fitness goals, but it is discouraging to see people make the same mistakes when just getting started. So here are a few basic tips for the fitness beginner:

GET MORE ACTIVE. This may seem obvious but it`s amazing how much difference small changes in your activity levels throughout the day can make. e.g Walk up stairs instead of taking the lift. Walk short or even mid distance journeys instead of driving/taking the car. Get yourself a bicycle!

MAKE FRIENDS WITH PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR FITNESS GOALS. We all have close friends who, though they mean the best, are not the best people to be around when trying to get fit. Whether they`re encouraging you to have one more biscuit or telling you missing one gym session won`t make a difference it can be hard to say no. Now just to be clear i`m NOT advocating cutting people off! But it`s always good to have another set of friends who do share your goals and will encourage and motivate you to exercise. You may meet these in the gym or at a class or even out walking/jogging in the park. You may be surprised how friendly people just starting exercise can be. Remember alot of people are in the same boat as you and would love someone who shares the same nervousness as them to be friends with. Working out with others definitely makes it many times more enjoyable!

CALORIES. Calories calories calories. You may well be sick of hearing that word but unfortunately it`s a very important one. Simply put calories in minus calories burned equals calories stored. That`s an irrefutable scientific fact. So eating calorie rich foods may be enjoyable at the time but are you really going to burn them all off at the gym? There are a number of apps now that will help you track your calorie intake and how much you`re burning each day so use one of these.

So three tips for you; Increase your activity even outside of the gym, try and have people around you who share your fitness goals and monitor your calorie intake.