Everyday steps to fitness from two experts

Every New Year, people try to better themselves by creating New Year’s Resolutions and setting new goals. But sadly, for whatever reason, the majority of these goals never get accomplished.

Far too often, fitness is presented as complicated and confusing. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Being fit comes from living simple everyday practices, as explained from the perspective of the following two experts:

FitFusion trainer Kenta Seki is keenly aware of the mind-body connection and how that relates to fitness. So, grab your Zen Active Yoga Mat, and soak up Seki’s mindful tips for a healthy body:

Laugh more

Chemically, the effects of laughter and exercise are very similar! They both release endorphins, dopamine and adrenaline, which can all have positive effects on the body. Laughing can also decrease blood pressure, stress, blood sugar and bad cholesterol. Make sure you’re finding time in your daily life to do things or interact with people who make you laugh!

Go outdoors more

When was the last time you went out into nature? Have you gone hiking, bike riding or even just walked around the block lately? Spending time outdoors can boost your immune system and decrease your body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol! This new year, try to schedule more activities that get you outdoors and into nature.

Be grateful

One thing I really believe is the first step to being great is being grateful. It’s so common to lose appreciation for the things and people in our lives who are there all the time, but sometimes they are what we need most and should be the most grateful for! Rather than being sad about what you don’t have, take a step back and look at everything you do have in your life…maybe you’ll realize that you already have so much more than the majority of the people in this world.

Love your body

It’s too common in our society to judge our bodies based off the social norms that are pushed on us through the media and the internet. We are made to feel that if our bodies don’t look like the “perfect” models in ads and on social media, then our bodies are somehow less beautiful than theirs. People look in the mirror and just focus on their flaws and imperfections, rather than loving and appreciating their bodies. A goal I recommend for everyone is to be kinder to your body and send it positive vibes rather than negative ones. Remember, your body hears everything your mind thinks.

Make time to focus on your health

As a trainer, one of the main things I hear from so many clients is that they don’t have the time to focus on their health. And yet when they become sick or injured and they are forced to take better care of themselves, suddenly their health becomes a priority. So my advice is to make time to take care of yourself before your body forces you to! Whether it’s just doing a little extra cardio every week or maybe taking that yoga class you’ve been meaning to go to, find ways to give back to your body and invest in your health.

Spend more time with people you love

Not only does it feel good to spend time with people you love, but it can actually have positive effects on your health too! Your brain releases the hormone oxytocin when you are bonding with friends or loved ones, and this chemical can decrease levels of stress, increase self-esteem and even strengthen your immune system. In 2017, find more ways to get actual face time – not just phone and social media interaction – with people you love.

Tee Major, another FitFusion trainer, focuses on a balance of scientific understanding, support mechanisms and fun to achieve your fitness success. The Fitbit LESHP Fitness Tracker provides both scientific information and a boost in motivation – providing reminders about several of the following guidelines from Major’s simple fitness toolbox:

1. Eating every three to four hours to increase metabolism is a myth. Know your basal metabolism rate (BMR) – the number of calories you would burn if you stayed in bed all day – create a deficit if you are overweight, and stick to it.

2. Incorporate High Intensity Interval Training into your routine by doing bursts of high intensity, rather than exercising at a single steady pace.

3. Know when to ask for help.

4. Drink water all day long.

5. Don’t be a wimp. Keep the intensity high during your workouts. Remember that you don’t want to kill time; you want to kill troublesome fat and disease.

6. Believe in you. Know that you can accomplish your goals.

7. Know your mission. Visualize the end results of your hard work.

8. Make fitness like breathing. Mandatory for survival.

9. Call for backup when needed. Enlist the support of family, friends or me for support. Create a network of accountability with workout partners or by working with a fitness expert.

10. Have fun!

Rather than creating goals, FitFusion trainers Kenta Seki and Tee Major created these lists of their top Wellness Tips for 2017. These simple and easy-to-follow tips are diverse and cover many areas of life, so you can make improvements in your health and overall wellness!

Attributions: Kenta Seki and Tee Major, FitFusion trainers