Fitness: A Lifestyle and Mindset Change

The holidays are over, and many of us are once again looking to shed a few pounds. Instead of seeking a quick fix, which may disappear soon, why not find a life-changing fitness routine? 78209 chatted with Tatum Rebelle of Total Mommy Fitness (332 W. Sunset Road 78209) and MBS Fitness (5025 Broadway, 78209), and she shared four tips to begin a health routine that sticks.

1. Start where you are and set realistic goals
To avoid setting yourself up for failure, set goals that are realistic for your current fitness level. If you are new to exercise, start by taking a daily walk to get in the habit of moving your body. Rebelle recommends that you commit to something every day that will increase your heart rate and get your blood flowing. If you were once an avid exerciser but stopped, tap into that old athlete in you by setting a tangible goal you can work toward, such as registering for a 5K three months from now.

Rebelle says, “Creating external pressure is important for someone with an athletic mindset; it will provide a push to set you on the right path. Once you have the habit of consistency, you can build off that, but until you have that, it’s very difficult to get anything really going.” When exercising becomes part of your daily routine and it doesn’t require much thought, set bigger goals like trying more difficult workouts.

2. Stick with the basics and keep it simple
It is not necessary to join a gym to start exercising. In fact, Rebelle likes using her own body weight as the main source of equipment because it doesn’t require going to a gym.

Invest in medium-strength resistance bands and a stability ball. “Not only are these items inexpensive, they don’t take up much space,” she says. “The ball is great for core and legwork, and the bands will provide a workout for arms and legs. With those two pieces of equipment you can get a full body workout.”

3. Know your motivation
Even fitness professionals have days they don’t feel like working out. Rebelle overcomes this by remembering why she exercises in the first place: “I know the goal I want to reach, which is to be healthy and to be strong and to have self-confidence. And that’s worth getting on the treadmill or doing some pushups and squats.”

She recommends that on those days when you are feeling unmotivated to work out, you take a 15-minute walk to improve your mental health instead of taking a rest day. This will keep you on track.

4. Don’t neglect the role of diet
While exercise is important for increasing strength, improving mood and boosting energy, diet is the main contributor to weight gain, she says. She suggests when preparing meals to “unwrap as little possible.” If you must unwrap a food, it’s likely not a healthy choice.

“If the label is trying to convince you it’s healthy, it’s probably not,” she added.

Instead, keep diet goals simple. Eat more vegetables, drink more water, and you will notice a change in your body.

BY NEVEN JONES

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