The ONES who have had the most SUCCESS with getting in shape + general fitness have a few things in common:

𝟏. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭

They may only work out for 30 minutes, three days a week—But they do it like clockwork.

No exceptions.

They walk occasionally. They garden. They run around with their kids. They live active lives. Less sitting, more moving.

𝟐. 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐨

The people who prioritize strength training over cardio are going to have a more resilient body composition.

More muscle on our frame is going to provide a more efficient metabolism. Muscle helps us burn body fat.

Getting stronger is also going to change a person's body composition. Cardio doesn’t have the same effect.

𝟑. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

Learning to enjoy the process is important.

It’s not a 6/8/12 week endgame. For true sustainability, it should be viewed as a life-long practice.

If someone hates what they’re doing, even if they white-knuckle through it for a little while… eventually they quit.

So, it’s important to enjoy what you’re doing. Celebrate small wins. Take pride in effort. Reframe what exercise is. It’s not punishment, it’s a gift.

Once the paradigm shifts, it’s much easier to enjoy the process.

What do YOU enjoy doing? Do that.

𝟒. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐰𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦

I really want to emphasize the “little wiggle room” part.

There are many who give themselves endless wiggle room with no boundaries, no perimeters, no guidelines. This is just like a kid with no boundaries—not great.

On the flip side, being realistic and abandoning “all-or-nothing” thinking can be crucial for sustainability and adherence.

Yes, it’s okay to have ice cream occasionally.

𝟓. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

There’s no need to over complicate getting in shape. Life is chaotic enough.

Meal prepping on the weekends can eliminate the ever-so-convenient fast food that’s readily available after a stressful day at work.

Having our workout gear next to our beds sure does help when we’re needing a cue to get moving.

A little planning goes a long way. But if it’s too complicated, we WON’T DO IT.

Cut out all unnecessary decisions.

Keep it simple and easy.

Always think to yourself: “What would this look like if it were easy?”

𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝

Success is a product of the seemingly simple steps repeated again and again. Simple still requires effort.

Consistency, simplicity, and enjoying the process—this is what gets busy adults in great shape.

More about the hosts of The Better Self Project:

Pamela has been serving people her entire life. She brings joy, comfort, and support to everyone she comes into contact with. Along with doing hair for the last decade plus, she has also developed a love for nutrition and fitness. She is certified in nutrition through the ISSA. She looks forward to continuing to help guide her clients, help them stay accountable, and move them towards their goals while also changing the narrative surrounding food and health. She wants to change the mindsets of the ones she works with.

Kyle has been a certified personal trainer for eight years now.  He has worked in a corporate fitness setting as well as commercial gym and is now training clients in his own personal training studio space. He also offers online training and coaching.  He is certified through the ISSA. Kyle is also a certified life coach. He is devoted to helping people transform their bodies and minds.