What Are the Best Tips for Maintaining General Fitness?

Many people tend to make that New Year's resolution to stay healthy and lose weight, but by the end of January, most have given up. The reason is not necessarily the difficulty level of maintaining general fitness, but instead a lack of knowledge as to how to do so. The first step is to set reasonable goals; too many dieters and exercisers set goals that are not attainable. Think about daily routines and commitments, and then plan a new routine that will include a reasonable amount of exercise.

Pay close attention to diet as well. General fitness does not just mean exercising regularly. It means eating well and correctly. One should generally avoid eating large meals, and instead eat several lighter meals a day. This helps the body process the food more efficiently, often leading to less weight gain. Eating natural foods and avoiding most sugars will contribute to general fitness and will help a person gain more energy. Feeling less lethargic is a good step toward ensuring daily exercise.

An exercise routine does not necessarily have to be exceptionally strenuous, but it must be done consistently. At least a half hour of exercise a day is necessary to encourage general fitness; planning this exercise time in the morning before work is a good idea, since it will give the person less of an excuse to avoid exercise later in the day. A person should try to avoid scheduling workouts at times when it is more likely he or she will be tired or lethargic. After work may work well for some people, but many people who work full time will be tired and mentally unprepared for a workout after a long day at the office. Lunch breaks can make a good time to exercise as well, and the activity will break up the routine of the day.

Other daily routines that can improve general fitness include getting an appropriate amount of sleep regularly and avoiding cigarette smoke. Alcohol can be drunk in moderation, but too much alcohol can slow the immune system and provide many empty calories. Taking a nap during the day allows the body to recharge and prepare itself for a workout, and getting eight hours of sleep a night will discourage lethargy and help the body's muscles repair themselves after a workout.