It takes about 60 days so you can start seeing results from your workout. Well, my dear fit girls that’s almost 2 months. Many people lose motivation to start getting in shape because of the long period ’till you see the first result.
It is really hard for each one of us to get back on track and keep it up, but it is possible, so I will give you 8 tips that will help you start getting in shape.
Losing weight and getting lean and fit can be really frustrating. You have to be in constant workout, and get healthy eating habits, in order to make this goal come true, but it is possible. Once you fall in love with fitness and healthy living keeping it up will be a pleasure.
So let’s get started with the first step which is getting your butt off the couch! ^^
1. You Have To Convince Your Mind
You will do nothing if you don’t convince your own mind. Fitness and losing weight are a really hard work, and it won’t work unless you do, right? Well we all know that your body can conquer any challenge, but it’s the mind that needs convincing.
So, ask yourself how important this is to you, and why, and write everything down on a paper, so that you remind yourself why you started in the first place. You have time, you can make time. If you want it you’ll find time, if don’t you’ll find an excuse!
2. Make A Plan
Before getting started, you have to make a plan. Without a plan, you are just going to be lost. Most of us girls, don’t know what to do when they are in the gym, so they just make random choices on what machines they should workout on, and don’t have any idea what muscle groups they are working on.
To avoid this you have to make a plan and follow it from the very first day. Here are some workout plans that might help you: Weight Loss Program; Toning Workout Program; Extra Toning Workout Program For Girls.
3. Change Your Perspective
It shouldn’t be an obligation, it should be your time, the “Me” time that you give yourself to make the best out of you. Change the “I have to workout” and “I need to workout” into “I want it, and I can’t wait to do it”.
You shouldn’t look for a quick fix too. Maybe you have a timeline and ideal weight in your mind, but if you think it will take just a few months, and then you’ll get back to the old habits, you are making a big mistake. Change your perspective, and look at it as a lifestyle.
Also, give up those 15 minutes workouts that make you look good in just 15 minutes a day. That’s a myth! You have to give yourself more than an hour a day so that it can work.
4. Learn About Fitness & Healthy Living
Since fitness and workout will become a very important part in your life, you should educate yourself a bit. Knowing what you’re doing is really important when you want to make something happen, because knowing what you put yourself into, will make you more confident and definitely more motivated.
Don’t go blind, and learn about the importance of being fit and eating healthy and you’ll learn to love the burn pretty soon. Here’s something that might help you in learning about fitness and healthy lifestyle Ultimate Guide On How To Lose Weight Get Fit And Live Healthier.
5. Motivate Yourself
In order to start getting in shape you have to be motivated, A LOT! When it comes to making the first step, it takes motivation, and not to mention keeping it up. You can make it through the time only if you are motivated.
To get motivated, and to stay that way for a longer amount of time, well that is the key. Get yourself a workout buddy, wear motivation tops, make a workout playlist… Here are some more tricks on how to stay motivated to workout.
6. Give 100% In The Gym
Give everything you have when you are working out.
When hitting the weights or when doing cardio, you should give your 100% and more. Sweat and sweat, just remember if you do 15 reps and you don’t feel like you are going to faint or puke, you are not doing it right!
It won’t work if it’s too easy for you, the weights have to be pretty heavy so that you can change your body! Break the stereotype, girl, you won’t bulk up, you’ll get strong and sexy!
7. Eat Clean
The food you are eating is probably one of the most important things when it comes to fitness and weight loss! So, forget the word “diet”, just eat healthy and clean! That is the best habit you can have, to help you not only look good, but to feel good too. You cannot stay fit if you eat unhealthy, fried and fast food.
Remember, fit body is made in the kitchen.
Don’t skip meals! Eating less wont help you lose weight. You don’t have to think of the portions when you are eating healthy and clean food, and when you are working out afterwards. Skipping meals can actually cause gaining weight, because you are starving yourself, and then eating two portions in one meal.
8. Find Workout Buddies
Find someone that has the same goal as yours, or even better, convince your friends to start planing their “get back in shape” journey. This is really important! Rather, it is your friends, or your boyfriend, or a person that you met at the gym, doesn’t matter! It’s just very well for your motivation level, because support and motivation go together like salt and pepper!
You lost me at working out. more then an hour a day. I would imagine that you would discourage a lot of people after reading that rule on how to keep motivated. Most people, people with families, do not have an hour.
Well I’m sorry but that’s why most people are not fit.
The thing is that you cannot expect to change yourself in 15 minutes a day. You have to give in order to take something back. I’m just honest, because that’s the truth. I will not stand for 20 minutes workouts, because believe me in 20 minutes you can only warm up, and stretch eventually. You cannot lose weight and change your life if you’re not willing to give one hour. That’s the truth.
Hi Monica! My name is Liz and I was just hoping to share my story with you and get some insight from someone who has remotely been in the same position I am. When I started my freshman year in high school I weighed 114 lbs, and about 6 months ago I quit dancing after 4 years because I just became too busy. I stopped eating healthy and all of my muscle seemed to dissolve and I had gotten up to 148 lbs. When we were vacationing on the islands I took a look in the mirror and absolutely hated what I saw. For the past 2 weeks I have cut out all junk food, fried food, fast food and unhealthy food and have been going to spin classes and doing strength training. I know that losing weight is a long process, it’s just never been something I’ve had to worry about before because for the past 4 years I’ve spent 8 hours a day dancing. Nobody else in my family is completely healthy, so I mostly buy my own groceries and make my own meals and workout by myself. I know what my goal is, to be happy in my own skin again, and I know that I can do it if I work hard enough. Any advice on how to keep from getting discouraged?
Hi Liz,
I’m so glad that you decided to share your story here on my blog.
I’m really sorry that you are getting through a period where you feel uncomfortable in your own skin, but I’m happy that you finally decided to stand for what’s right for you and your health.
It is a long process,you have to know that. You haven’t gain that weight in a few months, so you shouldn’t expect to lose it that fast too. It takes time, and discipline, and courage, but in the end you’re gonna be so proud, and so happy that you’re gonna be happier than ever.
That feeling, is one of the best feelings – to finally succeed! So work hard to get there!
If you start feeling demotivated now and then it’s okay, it happens to me too now and then, just keep your goal in mind, and everything will be all right.
I wish you all the best, and I hope the results come as soon as possible.
Love
Monica
Hi Monica, My name is Sue and wanted to say that your story is such a great one. I wanted to write to share mine to help other people that ‘yes you can’ get into shape without spending money or taking diet aids. In 2012 while being in Europe for my daughter’s wedding and continuing to trek all over Europe,I noticed that I was losing so much weight that my clothes(size 10-12) were literally falling down. All this from walking! We walked everywhere and saw everything. When I returned home and saw myself in my daughter’s wedding pictures, I was mortified at how big I looked. So in 3 weeks I lost 26 pounds while walking and seeing Europe. I ate/eat very healthy but just too large of a portion. So now it’s smaller portions and lots of water. Now I am in a size 4 and feel GREAT-
Now I walk 12-15K 2X a week and I feel so healthy,fit and alive. I now weight 119 pounds and also workout with weights. I am 54 and love my body more than I ever have-plus all the fun workout wear is my reward to myself to push forward and challenge myself with higher goals.
If I could motivate anyone,it would be to just get going…walk…start out slowly,stretch before and after, invest in some good walking shoes(Nike Free’s 4’s or 5’s) and some good tunes and you feel so good after. Then challenge yourself to push further and you’ll see and feel the difference quickly!
Thanks for your great site of wisdom & motivation Monica-really enjoyed it!
Fit for Life,
Sue
Dear Sue!
I’m so glad you find my posts inspiring, and I’m so glad that you decided to share your story too.
If you have any “before and after” picture, I’d be more than happy to post your amazing and brave story on my blog, of course if you want to.
I’m glad that you did it, and I just want to say – KEEP GOING! <3
Love and all the best
Monica
Hi Monica my name is Skyler and I just have a quick question for you. I am a senior in high schoo, and I exercise for about 40 minutes in the morning. I get up around 5:50 so I will have time to do everything before leaving for the bus at 7:20. I do then exercise for about 15 minutes in the evening too. Is this enough time spent working out or should I add more into my nightly routine?
Hi Skyler,
It sounds great that you find time to workout in the morning.
I’m thinking if you could split it to 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon it would be a great deal :)
Just tell me what kind of exercises you normally do?
Regards to you,
Monica
Hey , i really like your blog , i just discovered it and i became obsessed with it
Keep going !
Well , im 16
and i need to loose weight , i need to start exercising ,, cause my tights are getting fatter and fatter , and thank god i found your blog , but here’s my queston : is going to the gym 5 days a week ( one hour of walking , and 20 min in the bycicle thing ) doing some yoga from time to time , good ? or am is supposed to work harder ? i really want to get tha summer body and be more fit
and im so sorry for my bad english . xx
Hi Leila,
Well, I’d suggest you to do an actual workout program, at least 4-5 times a week.
In order to be body changing it have to be really challenging, so I’d suggest you to try the Breaking Fat workout program.
You’ll find everything you need to know there about weight loss and fitness.
Here’s a link if you can’t find it:
https://fitgirlsdiary.com/2016/01/15/breaking-fat-formula-the-best-weight-loss-program-for-women/
Hi!
I love this article, it’s very good! I read it all but what I really want to know is, do you have a source for the first picture you used!? I need those high tops on that chic!
LOL
Cheers!
Oh, I’m sorry I don’t have it :(
Aw well.
If you ever find out anything about those boots, please let me know!
Thank you!
Hi I’m marina,
I wanted to ask for your help. I’ve exercised before pregnancy and I’ve only gained 35 pounds. It’s been almost 4 months post pregnancy and I’ve got almost 10 pounds to my pre pregnancy weight. I’ve been workin out 6 days a week, switching between pilates, cardio and hiit. It seems like the weight is not coming off as quickly as I thought. The workouts are between 30-45 min. I’m just wondering if I’m doing anything wrong.
Thanks
Hi Marina,
I would suggest a stronger workout, meaning – Pilates is a light workout, I’d suggest you to do something that takes a lot more energy.
Can you consider strength training?
It’s the fastest way to lose weight and get fit.
If so, you can check out my Breaking Fat workout program and start exercising, here’s a link: https://fitgirlsdiary.com/2016/01/15/breaking-fat-formula-the-best-weight-loss-program-for-women/
If you’re not ready to go to the gym every day, don’t worry, just try investing in a set of resistance bands and preform the program in the comfort of your home :)
Also, don’t forget to clean up your diet – kick sugars and bad carbs out of the picture!
Hi! Just discovered your blog and it is very motivating! Thank you for that :) I’m just getting my head in the game to start a new exercise program, however, I have arthritis knees…no fun! What exercises do you suggest to tone legs while not putting too much stress on the knees?
Thanks!
Hey Lisa,
I’m so glad to hear you like my blog and find it motivating – it makes me so happy knowing I help girls around the world get healthy and fit!
I have problematic knees too, especially my left one – I feel awkward pain whenever I run.
However, when exercising, I usually don’t feel any pain since I make sure to keep the form in mind.
I recently started using a knee band and I feel great, you should try out using one yourself.
Here’re my favorite workout routines when it comes to toning those legs:
https://fitgirlsdiary.com/full-leg-workout-routine-get-sexy-legs/
https://fitgirlsdiary.com/10-best-glutes-exercises-to-build-stronger-bigger-booty-get-the-booty-of-your-favorite-fitspo-with-this-butt-lift-workout/
Hope I helped, and please feel free to contact me whenever you need advice – always here for you!
xo,
Monica
Okay I am a 41 year old Mom that is recently single and starting over in life. I have been walking 3 miles per day and am not fat at all but I have NO muscle and need help!!! I am 5 foot 7 and weigh 130. I can commit to an hour a day but I need guidance . Would you suggest the toning schedule? It says like 3 bicep exercises do I just pick any random three for that muscle for that day? Thanks for any help you have for me. I want to get FIT!!! Ps. I will do what u say and post updates. Xo
Hey Dee,
I’ll be honest with you and I’ll say – my programs are a bit dated :(
I’m not saying you won’t have results, because you will with almost any kind of fitness activity, but nowadays we know for sure that HIIT is the future of fitness.
That’s why I would warmly suggest a program that includes High Intensity Interval Training and Tabata paired with heavy weights.
I don’t have this kind of program on my blog yet, but I’m working on it and I hope to get it out by the end of this summer.
So if you want to get it in your inbox first, make sure to subscribe.
Until then, you can do the toning schedule, but instead of cardio choose some of these HIIT sessions that last only 30 minutes – they work amazing in burning fat, without tapping into that lean muscle.
Here’s the link: https://fitgirlsdiary.com/the-best-full-body-fat-burner-workouts-30-minutes-a-day-to-sweat-the-fat-off/
And last, but definitely not least – NUTRITION.
Eating right is so freaking important, and we all unfortunately forget about it, when it’s 30% workout 70% diet.
However, I have a nutrition plan that can help you get the body you want and start losing that stubborn weight fast.
Here’s the link: https://fitgirlsdiary.com/my-meal-plan/
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me any time.
Love,
Monica
Due to lupus I just lost 40 lbs. 5’9” 150lbs.
My Dr told me I could exercise but I am wondering what exercises I should do to tone up. I am thin enough already. Just want to tone the flab and get healthy. I am 59. Thanks
Allison,
My suggestion would be to start doing HIIT and Tabata paired with some heavy weights.
That’s the best way to lose the excess weight without tapping into the muscles.
You’ll be surprised to get some pretty amazing results not only in the muscle tone but becoming stronger overall.
Love,
Monica
I really like all of your fitness advice can you get in shape walking on a treadmill