I often get asked about quick fitness fixes and while I am not an advocate of fads, it’s perfectly possible to become fitter in just 30 days if you’re willing to put the work in and stick at it.

It’s worth remembering that getting fit will mean different things to different people, so going from a completely sedentary lifestyle to a marathon runner in four weeks won’t happen.

Some people will see getting fit as being able to jog for 10 minutes without being out of breath, while for others it may be running a 5k or 10k race. Everyone has a different starting point, so before you start, there are a few key things to remember.

Set a goal, and be realistic

If you’ve not exercised in years, then expecting to be able to run a marathon by January is pushing it a bit. Similarly, if you’ve never lifted a set of dumbbells before then you’re unlikely to be benching 100kg any time soon.

Having a realistic goal will help you to stay focused and maintain your fitness routine. You can always set new goals as you achieve the existing ones. Being realistic also extends to the time you put in. Saying you’ll go running five nights a week is all well and good if you can stick to it, but if you have other commitments like work or childcare to consider then be realistic about how much time you can commit to getting fit and adjust your goals accordingly.

Consider other lifestyle changes that will help

Unfortunately, getting fitter isn’t just a case of doing more exercise. You should think about things like diet, sleep, alcohol, and smoking too. All these things play a part in getting fitter. For example, a lack of sleep can lead to sugar cravings, which then leads to weight gain. When you’re setting your goals, be sure to look at everything you can do to get fitter, not just from an exercise point of view.

Include rest and recovery time

It’s important to have an adequate amount of time between training sessions so your body has time to recover. Overtraining can have an extremely negative impact on your body and increase the chances of injury or pulled muscles, which can set you back to square one. Factor in rest days and recovery periods, and you’ll find it much easier to reach your goals.

Go at your own pace

It’s vital that you recognise your body’s limitations and don’t try to overdo it. This can be especially hard if you have a friend or partner who is fitter than you for example. But just remember that this is your journey, and just because someone else can lift 100kg or run a 10k in less than an hour, it doesn’t mean you should be able to…yet.

The most important part of getting fitter in 30 days is to build sustainable, long-term habits that you’ll carry on with throughout the year, not just for a month, so you can stay fitter, stronger, and healthier for years to come.

If you are just starting your fitness journey, our qualified personal trainers and fitness instructors at The Fitness Room, Honeybourne are here to help you. We offer nutritional advice alongside personal training, a well-equipped exclusive gym and group exercise classes.

Call us on 07540 060269 for a free consultation and find out more about how we can help you adopt a healthier lifestyle and reach your fitness goals more quickly.