Health and fitness are a key component in today’s busy lifestyle. Good fitness helps you to reduce stress and have the energy you need to get everything done you need to do. The problem is that it’s also easy to get stale in your workouts, or if you’ve never worked out before, you may not know where to start. These strategies will help you start and maintain a fitness program so you not only get the results you want, you will also get the body you want.

1. Train in Different Ways

There are three areas that are a must for getting in shape and staying in shape without injury: cardio, muscle training and stretching. Cardio helps you burn fat. Muscle training helps you to create the shape you want and build muscle, which burns more fat. Stretching keeps your muscles limber and prevents injury. Make sure you include all three elements in your fitness routine.

2. Mix Up Your Routines

Doing the same routine day in and day not only increases your chances of getting injured because you may get lazy or sloppy about how you do it; it also leads to plateaus, which aren’t good especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Different workouts help you to avoid injury by training different muscles and making them stronger. It also keeps you from getting bored or hitting a plateau. Change your workouts about every six to eight weeks for best results.

3. Do Different Workouts According to Season

If you live in a cold climate, you risk serious injury especially if you have to deal with snow and ice. This may be the time to buy fitness DVDs and workout indoors. You don’t have to give up your favorite walk though. There are many DVDs available to make it fun.

4. Always Stretch After Your Workouts

It’s a bad idea to stretch before your workouts when your muscles are cold from inactivity. You want to gradually warm your muscles by doing your activity slowly at first and then move to full speed after a few minutes. Once you’ve completed your workout, then stretch your muscles well so they are nice and limber.

5. Exercise to Music

Unless you are doing fitness DVDs, your normal routine may get boring. Listening to music can help you avoid boredom and inspire you in your workouts. It’s also a great way to increase your speed if you listen to music that has more beats per minute than you are used to. Choose music you like and then change it out regularly so you don’t get tired of listening to the same thing.

6. Record Your Workouts

You want to keep a record of your workouts because this will help you keep track of your progress, especially if you are just starting out. It’s also a great way to show you where you need to improve as well as keep you inspired and avoid plateaus.

7. Make Fitness a Priority

If you want to get fit and stay fit then it’s important to stick with it. It takes about 30 days for anything to become a habit and about one year for it to become a lifestyle. Keep working out because eventually you won’t have to think about doing it. You will simply do it, anou’ll stay healthy and stress free.