How to Get Fit Fast & Stay Fit

Have you ever wondered how to be healthy and fit without changing your daily routine too much? If so, you’re far from alone. More than 75% of Americans are looking for a great way to stay in shape, but 45% of them don’t get past the starting gate. In other words, 45% of Americans do not exercise at all. Interestingly, one of the biggest reasons that people don’t work out is that they’ve got a poor self-body image. 

Another problem is that they’re looking for the fastest way to get fit, but they don’t put in the work. It is necessary to workout for at least 30 minutes per day, five times per week, to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Following fad diets or eating lots of processed food won’t do the trick, either. Instead, learn how to get fit in a month and stay fit forever! 

How to get in shape fast 

It might seem counterintuitive, but when you’re ready to get in shape, it’s important not to go from zero to 60 immediately. In fact, doing this is one of the surest indicators that you’re going to burn yourself out. Instead, start by looking at ways you can achieve 30 minutes of exercise without working yourself to the bone. Believe it or not, simply getting 150 minutes per week or moderate intensity exercise – combined with eating a healthy diet – will allow you to drop weight relatively quickly. 

1. Walk before you run

One mistake many people make is that they begin their fitness journey by running. But if you haven’t run in years, this is not the way to do it. Instead, begin with a 30-minute walk. Each time you go out for another session, be sure to put on a bit more speed than the last time. You’ll eventually work your way up to running, but in the meantime, you’ll still be losing weight and getting in shape! 

2. Set realistic goals 

If you’re looking for how to get fit quickly, you might forget that your overall goal should really be getting and staying healthy. For instance, let’s say that you lift weights, and your goal is to have six-pack abs. Setting a goal of a month to accomplish this in is absolutely not going to happen. It often takes up to a year – or longer – to build a defined six pack. Instead, set a realistic and attainable goal for each month that you work out, and put them all together to achieve a six-pack. 

3. Cut back on drinking 

This might not be popular, but if you really want to lose weight fast, it’s critical to consider the impact alcohol has on your goals. Every time you indulge in an adult beverage, you’re consuming empty calories. Drinking actually makes it much harder to get into shape, so consider reducing your intake. 

4. Try Yoga or Pilates 

Do you assume that yoga and/or Pilates isn’t a real workout? Well, you couldn’t be more wrong! Each time you do a session, you’ll be improving your flexibility and physical strength. Plus, these are great exercises for enhancing your own mental awareness. They should allow you to burn off some stress, and that’s a big deal because holding too much stress can make it next to impossible to nudge the fitness meter. 

How to stay in shape  

Okay, so you’ve gotten past the first month and achieved your first goal. Now, it’s time to learn about staying in shape. Shockingly, only 2.7% of Americans can say they meet all four criteria for a healthy lifestyle. These include: 

• Eating a healthy diet. 
• Being sufficiently active. 
• Having a recommended body fat percentage. 
• Being a non-smoker. 

Of course, everyone has to start somewhere, so don’t allow this to derail your goals. Starting with even just one of the four is much better than zero, after all. Fortunately, by the end of your first month, you should have – at a minimum – one of the four criteria. Now, it’s time to find out how to stay in shape, even when life gets in the way. 

5. Be kind to yourself 

Sometimes, it becomes impossible to do your daily exercises, and that’s okay. Your goal should be to make steady gains. This won’t be tossed out the window because you only managed to work out for 100 minutes, instead of 150, during a difficult week. Allow yourself some grace, which will make it much easier to return to your regular workouts the following week. 

6. Keep your sessions short 

Have you ever wanted to work out, but didn’t have 30 minutes to spare? Instead of not working out at all, take advantage of the time you have. If you’ve only got 10 minutes, take a 10-minute walk or fit in 10 minutes of weightlifting. Then, if you find yourself with another 10 minutes later in the day, fit in a second quick workout. Slow and steady wins the race, after all! 

7. If it stops working, make a change 

Maybe you go for a run every afternoon, but it’s been raining non stop all week. Or perhaps you usually use the treadmill, but you’ve hit a wall and just can’t do it anymore. Both of these things are fine! Simply replace what you would normally do with a different work out. This will shake up your routine and may even help you get over a hump. 

Great ways to stay in shape at home 

There is absolutely no reason to sign up for a gym to find ways to get in shape. After all, your body doesn’t care where you work out. It’s also critical to remember that learning how to stay fit isn’t all about exercising or even eating a healthy diet. It takes an overall, holistic approach to fitness to truly get it right. 

8. Sleep is super important 

Do you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night? If not, it’s time to change your sleeping habits. Lack of sleep increases your risk of getting sick, and it will also cause you to reach for more junk food. 

9. Brushing your teeth is critical

You can do everything right, and still end up in a precarious position if you ignore the importance of oral health. The fact is that your oral health provides a window to your overall health. If you don’t want significant health issues, brush your teeth at least twice a day and get regular cleanings at your dentist.

10. Remain committed throughout the winter 

Wintertime makes you want to snuggle under a blanket, and there’s nothing wrong with giving into this desire. However, winter isn’t an excuse to stop working out. You may need to shift your workouts but be sure to do them often enough so that you can at least maintain your current weight. 

FAQs 

What is the fastest way to get in shape?

Walking is a great way to start, then run or jog for 30 minutes every other day. 

Can you get fit in 30 days?

You will definitely see results within 30 days but be patient and keep working out to get into better shape.

How long does it take to get fit?

It takes approximately eight to 12 weeks of regular exercise to improve your heart health. You should begin to see results within the first four to six weeks, though. 

Can I get in shape in 2 weeks?

If you’re really dedicated to your goals, it is possible to see results in as little as two weeks. However, sustaining this will be more difficult than sustaining slow, steady progress. 

What is the best way to keep fit?

Eat a low-fat, well-balanced diet, incorporate healthy movement such as walking, yoga, dancing, sports, or running, and stay hydrated. 

How do I keep myself physically fit?

The simplest method is by being physically active for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, at least five times per week. 

How do I start staying fit?

Make a balanced fitness routine that includes at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly. Don’t try to gain instant results. Instead, use the slow and steady method, and check your progress every six weeks. 

Get in shape fast and stay in shape forever

As you’ve learned, getting into shape fast is possible, but the best way to keep moving toward your goals is through patience, regular exercise, and healthy eating. Many people can lose 10-20 pounds in a month and will feel great. However, it’s what you do after the initial 30 days that’s really important. By embracing the philosophy of ‘slow and steady wins the race,’ you can transform your entire life!