Let’s start off by saying that getting into shape can be a very challenging experience, which can at times be complicated and a struggle. Although that is true, it is still important since it helps you stay healthy. Luckily, drastic steps are unnecessary. Just a little time and effort on your part is all that’s needed. You might have a lot of fun this way!

Try toning your arms by doing some push ups, this works the triceps very well. Rather than doing regular push-ups, you can spot-tone the triceps by rotating your hands inward 45 degrees; your fingertips should be facing those of the opposite hand. When you target the muscle in this exercise, you will tone up the triceps better than any other exercise.

Complete your weight lifting routine in 30 to 45 minutes. Besides releasing cortisol, if you are lifting for an hour, your muscles will start to waste. Therefore, keep an eye on the clock when you’re working out with weights, and limit your time to 60 minutes or less.

Change the types of exercises that you do from day to day to achieve optimum results. If you usually exercise indoors, try playing basketball or walking outside. The difference in intensity and muscle use that is needed to run uphill outdoors can yield different results than similar exercise on the indoor track. Varying the exercises you do prevents the body from acclimatizing itself to one specific exercises, which can reduce its effectiveness.

Do not do just sit ups or crunches to exercise your abs. Through university studies, it has been shown that 250,000 crunches only burns a pound of fat. If you are focusing exclusively on crunches for chiseling your abs, therefore, you may not be getting the most effective ab workout. Vary your abdominal exercises for superior results.

If you like to watch TV, do your exercise while you watch your favorite shows. You can walk all the way through, or do sets of simple exercises like jumping jacks or sit-ups on commercial breaks. You can also try light weight training as you sit on the couch. There always seems to be opportunities to squeeze in a little bit more exercise.

Start a diary that contains your fitness efforts from the day. Keep tabs on every type of workout; make sure you list every exercise, no matter how small. Even purchase a pedometer and track your daily walking. Add this information into your fitness diary. This written record will prove invaluable in tracking your progress on your fitness journey.

Keep track of your calorie consumption. Knowing your calorie count helps you determine if you’re going to gain weight or lose weight. If you only consume enough calories to satisfy your basic needs, then burn calories through exercise, your net calories will be negative, which will help you lose weight quickly.

Doing wall sits can really help strengthen the muscles in your legs. You should begin with a wall space that is wide enough for your body to fit and that allows you to safely do the move. Then position yourself about eighteen inches away from the wall, with your back to it. Lean back with your knees bent until the length of your back meets the wall. Bend your knees and when the tops of your legs are even to the ground, you will look as though you are sitting. Hold this stance until you can’t stand it anymore.

In conclusion, fitness isn’t going to be fun all the time, and it’s probably not going to be easy. If you have the right attitude and workouts, though, it doesn’t have to be torture. Don’t look at this fitness adventure as a solo mission. Help can be obtained but you have to know what to do to get started.