Get inspired, get off that couch

The best way to stay motivated is to set a realistic and time-bound goal. Setting goals that are overambitious and unreasonable will only lead to disappointments. Set a goal that you know you are capable of achieving, but which is hard enough to push you. For example, if you can do 5 pushups properly, do not set an unreasonable goal of doing 50 push-ups after 5 days, but a reasonable one, like 10 push-ups after 5 days.

If A is the easiest goal to achieve, B is a little difficult but achievable with some dedication, and C is very difficult—choose B. Choose the middle path. Do not make it too easy or too difficult for yourself. Any goal should be SMART—Simple, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable and Time-bound.

Another important thing to do is look at your image in the mirror. Ask yourself if that is really what you want to look like. You will know what looks great and what doesn’t. You will know from where you need to lose weight. Once you know what your problem areas are, work towards making those areas of your body your assets. We all want that perfect bikini body, so look in the mirror, check yourself out, and decide how you are going to go about achieving that body. …

A lot of people think that they have reached a point of no return and, hence, do not care anymore. Always remember that it is never too late to start. You can get back in shape at any time and at any age. You may need to be patient, yes.

It may take some time, but with some perseverance you can achieve that ultimate level of fitness. So don’t let anything disappoint you or keep you from working out. If you are conscious about going to the gym because of your weight, start with exercising in the comfort and privacy of your own home. This too can help and will make you feel stronger and better.

Once you gain some confidence, take the journey outside: go for walks, cycle, jog. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - just because you may be overweight does not make you less pretty than anyone else. You know you are beautiful and you need to love yourself before anybody else can. If you are confident, if you are ready to work towards getting fitter, what anyone else thinks does not matter. …

The popular saying ‘No pain, no gain’ is one that often keeps people away from fitness regimes. Don’t feel disheartened by this. When you exercise, it is natural for your body to get tired, but this does not mean that you will experience pain. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Pain is just ‘painful’, but trust me, exercising is not.

The exercises you do tire your muscles, but they do not hurt your muscles. I often use the term ‘good pain’. There is a big difference between the ‘good’ pain of an exercise and bad pain. Good pain is really not painful - it’s just your muscles telling you that you are tired. Doing an exercise until your muscles reach a point of fatigue is fine, and as soon as you reach this point, you must stop. If you are exercising correctly, you will not feel any bad pain. Soon, you will start enjoying the good pain that exercise gives you. Savour every moment of it.

By:Namrata Purohit, the author of ‘The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Staying Fit’, published by Random House, gives a lowdown on making fitness all about fun.