You decided it’s time to get healthy!  Time to dust off those tennis shoes and dive into a fitness routine so you can ditch those extra pounds and get rid of the fluff!

Whether you’re following a routine for the first time (or for the first time in a long time) or just refocusing your efforts in this year, here are some tips on what to keep in mind as you get started. These tips will help you stick with it when you’re feeling grumpy or tired or frustrated or hungry.

Do: Before you start, log your weight, your measurements, and take your photos.
Don’t: Freak out over what you see.
No one likes his or her Day 1 photos or measurements. But, by capturing all of the basic information (how much you weigh, how big your waist is, what you look like shirtless or in a bikini), you’ll establish a starting place. Then, when you take down all this information again (we usually recommend taking them every 30 days, and once finishing up a program), you’ll see how much you’ve changed. Trust us, you may not want to see or so this now, but when your clothes start fitting better and you start feeling better, you’ll want to know how far you’ve come!

Do: Weigh yourself only once a week, or even just once a month
Don’t: Weigh yourself every day
Your weight can fluctuate every day based on how much sodium you consumed the day before, how much you sweated during your workout, whether you went to the bathroom, what time of the month it is, etc. If you’re the type who could get discouraged from seeing your weight go up a pound or two (or more) in 24 hours, then we recommend weighing in approximately the same time each week/month. It’ll give you a better overall sense of the trend your weight is heading in. Just keep in mind you might gain a few pounds during the first few weeks of beginning a program due to the stress of a new program on your body. For us, we ONLY weigh before and after we start a new program. Why? Again, because of everything we just mentioned.

Do: Eat for the body you want – not the one you have
Don’t: Cut out all of your favorite foods
If you really want to be miserable and set yourself up for failure, cut out everything you like to eat. If your diet is really bad, a lot of stuff you like might have to go. Soda, fried food, super sugary coffee drinks…Think of thisnew journey as a boot camp. You’re training for the body you’ve always wanted. So feed that body with the food it needs. Lean proteins, complex carbs, and lots of nutrient-packed vegetables. Learn how to make healthier versions of some of your favorite foods, including pizza, fries, and burgers. Think about your diet as an 80/20 split. 80% of the time, eat “clean.” The other 20% of the time, don’t stress about it. If you really want that treat or that cookie, have it. One cookie or one burger, isn’t going to be your downfall. Have ONE treat meal, not a treat DAY!

Do: Plan your meals and organize your kitchen
Don’t: Wait until the day of to figure it out.
By planning your meals, you make it easier to eat healthier because you don’t have to think about it every day. You just grab your breakfast and/or your lunch and go. There’s a saying- fail to plan, plan to fail! If you know what you are eating ahead of time, you can’t fail!

Do: Push through the soreness
Don’t: Push yourself to the point of injury
Whenever we start a new fitness program, we know we are going to be sore for the firstweek or so. It’s all part of the process. If you do get sore, back off but don’t stop. Doing a workout at 50% is a lot better than doing nothing. It will also help your soreness fade quicker! So yes, workout even on your sore days!

Do: Expect to be a little hungry and maybe a little grumpy in the beginning.
Don’t: Fall back into old bad habits.
No matter what change you’re making, there are bound to be growing pains. Change is uncomfortable. Prepare to feel a little out of sorts – you might be hungry, you might feel sore, you might be a little grumpy in response – and it’s more likely you’ll have an easier transition into your new lifestyle. Stick with your nutrition plan, drink lots of water, and trust the process.

Do: Follow your workout calendar and get back on track if you fall off.
Don’t: Don’t wait until Monday to start again if you miss a workout.
If you missed a workout because of sickness or travel, or had an unhealthy meal, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back to it. You never have to wait til a Monday to start back! The quicker you push play and get back to your good nutrition after having an unexpected halt in your plan, the more likely you are to continue on and achieve the results you want. You’re on a journey and along the way, there are going to be a few misses.

Do: Share what you’re doing and find people who will keep you accountable
Don’t: Listen to the haters.
If you share what you’re doing with those around you, there’s a greater likelihood you’ll succeed because you’re creating a support system that you’re accountable to. There might be people who pooh-pooh your journey, but ignore them. They have their reasons for doing so (and it’s almost always them, it’s not about you), so just stay positive and reach out to your support system when you need help. We’re here for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out! We have several community groups that are available to you and will welcome you and be in your corner, every step, every stumble, of the way!

Here’s to a HEALTHY and HAPPY  new YOU!!!
Bryan & Brandy

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Sources- Team Beachbody, Its the Martins