We all want to reach our fitness goals, right? But the truth is that there’s no one size fits all formula when it comes to crushing those fitness goals. Everybody is different— literally. However, there are ways to supercharge those fitness results that can be tailored to our own personalities.
Here are five ways to reach your fitness goals faster, with helper hacks from FitOn trainer Christine Bullock.
5 Hacks to Reach Fitness Goals Faster
#1 Be Consistent
Fitness results take time, but how you reach your fitness goals all depends on a very simple factor: consistency. When we’re goal-oriented and set our sights on the long-term results, we’re more inclined to see the bigger picture. Sure, it’s normal to get distracted from time to time, but the only way to reach our fitness goals is to consistently work towards it.
FitOn trainer Christine Bullock recommends working out 4 to 5 days a week. The best way to do this is to create a schedule ahead of time and stick to it. When creating a schedule, there are few things to keep in mind:
- Your fitness schedule can be at different times of the day.
- You can change up how long you work out for.
- You can break it up by scheduling a break day in between, rather than back to back.
However, if you’re having a hard time remaining consistent in the beginning, it is recommended to stick to the same time and the same days. But don’t feel obligated. After all, you’re doing this for you and no one else.
#2 Do More Of What You Love
When it comes to seeing fitness results, consider doing more of what you love. And, the beauty of FitOn is that there is a workout for everyone. From no equipment necessary to weight training from your at-home gym, you can tap into the variety of workouts from all the different trainers on FitOn. So, in the words of Bullock— “switch it up!”
When we do more of what we enjoy, we may be more likely to stick to it. That’s why a great tip on how to reach your fitness goals faster is to simply do more of what you already enjoy, and don’t feel guilty about it. Indulge in your Pilates, your HIIT workouts, that dance class — become completely invigorated by toning up. Dive into your not-so-guilty pleasure, and before you know it, you’ll be seeing results without trying.
#3 Increase Intensity
Working out longer doesn’t always help you see fitness results faster. Surprisingly, a shorter workout can actually help you see results faster if you increase intensity.
HIIT workouts are great to include in your fitness routine because they provide just that, bursts of intensity in a shorter timeframe. Here’s how:
- It burns more calories in less time
- Your metabolism remains higher for longer
- It aids in fat loss
Another way to increase intensity is to add more weight if you have that option at home.
#4 Focus On Recovery
Taking time to fully recover will lead to much better results. This isn’t a sprint to the finish line; reaching your fitness goals takes time. Bullock points out that the higher your metabolism, the more muscle tone you’re creating, and that leads to more caloric burn on those off days. So it’s important to incorporate rest as part of your workout routine, both physical and mental.
Some ways to do this are:
- Use a foam roller to stretch out your body and aid in muscle recovery
- Get a massage or take a nice relaxing bath or shower
- Head to a nearby park and get some fresh air
#5 Eat For Nutrition
Bullock’s fourth suggestion is, “don’t get caught on calories,” and “eat for nutrition, eat for your energy.”
When our metabolism increases, so does our appetite. It’s not only normal, but it’s needed, you just burn off some major calories! Rather than fill up on food that’s processed, fuel your body with the nutrients it really needs: think fish, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, and fruit — these are all delicious and loaded with nutrition.
Listen to your body and fuel it with the proper foods. Not only will the right food fill you up longer, but it will help you reach your fitness goals faster. The less processed our food is, the easier it is for the body to break it down and turn those calories into energy you’ll need later.
Be Optimistic — It Takes Time
It’s natural to have off days — days when we’d rather sit on the couch and watch movies. But don’t get down on yourself, and, especially, don’t compare your goals to anyone else’s. The beautiful thing about a fitness journey is the journey itself. It’s about overcoming obstacles, accomplishing small successes, and watching ourselves transform into the best version of who we can be. It takes dedication and patience. But if the goals were easy, we wouldn’t appreciate the results. As you work towards reaching your fitness goals, stay positive, and take it one day at a time.
