Most people strive to become fitter physically, but few people know how to accomplish their goal. It's hard to get enough exercise regularly, and changing your diet is an overwhelming prospect. Learning how to make the necessary changes over time and how to become fitter is the only way that you are going to reach your fitness goals.

However, the secret to getting fit isn't finding more willpower; it's establishing smarter, simpler routines that ensure you make progress. You don't have to make an intimidating overhaul of your entire life to start your journey to a healthier you.

The thought of getting fit may seem daunting, but the rewards are worth it, trust me. I have laid out 3 steps you should take to get yourself on the road to a fitter, healthier and happier you. Add these fabulous tricks to your daily routine and you're guaranteed to see the results you've always wanted.

#1. Commit To A Workout Program

You can get fit by riding a bike, walking down the street or doing most other physical activities, but the trick is to commit to what you want to do. No matter how you plan to improve your body, you need to do it gradually over a long period of time.

If you walk every day for a year, you'll see improvements. If you cycle 30 miles a week for several months, you should also see improvements, but working out for three hours a day is not going to do anything for you.

Focus on making small changes to your life that you can stick to, stick to your exercise programme, and you're more likely to get fit successfully.

Your First Week Action Plan 

Committing to a workout program means choosing a sustainable activity and sticking to it. The secret is starting small to build a habit you won't abandon. Instead of aiming for a gruelling hour-long session, try this simple one-week walking plan designed for absolute beginners:

• Monday & Friday: 15-minute brisk walk.
• Wednesday: 20-minute brisk walk.
• Saturday: 25-minute leisurely walk with a friend or family member.
• Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: Rest days.

This schedule focuses on gradual improvement over a long period, which is the key to seeing real results. Once this feels easy, you can slowly increase the duration or frequency.

TIP #1: The key to a successful workout program isn't intensity, it's consistency. Focus on small, daily efforts that compound over time.

#2. Get Involved With Activities That Promote Fitness

The secret to getting fit isn't an extreme, sudden transformation. It's about making small, gradual changes over a long period of time. The key is to commit to any physical activity you choose, whether that's walking, riding a bike or something else, consistently.

Joining a sports league or club that focuses on high-intensity activities will help you commit to getting and staying fit. These groups provide regular encouragement to help you keep moving and improve your fitness.

You'll find that the urge to get out and move more comes from other people wanting to do it with you, and that's why you need to find a talented group to support you.

TIP #3: Your fitness journey is built on small, repeatable actions. Prioritise long-term habits over short-term heroics.

#3. Switch To A Better Diet: Making Smart, Sustainable Swaps 

Being fit isn't just about exercising; it's also about eating the right foods. Instead of drastic calorie-cutting, focus on making simple, evidence-based substitutions. For instance, swapping a sugary breakfast pastry like a Pop-Tart for a banana not only reduces your intake of processed sugars but also provides essential potassium and fibre.

Here are a few more high-impact, easy-to-implement food swaps:

• Swap white rice for quinoa: Quinoa offers complete protein and more fibre, keeping you fuller for longer.
• Swap sugary sodas for sparkling water with lemon: This eliminates empty calories while keeping you hydrated. Studies have shown that reducing liquid sugar intake is one of the most effective ways to support weight management.
• Swap creamy salad dressings for a vinaigrette: A simple olive oil and vinegar dressing avoids the hidden sugars and unhealthy fats found in many store-bought options.

By making these small changes consistently, you can create a healthier diet without it feeling like a burden.

Stop Relying On Willpower: Outsource Your Motivation

Many believe that fitness is a solo battle of willpower, but motivation doesn't have to come solely from within. In fact, one of the most powerful strategies is to find external sources of encouragement and accountability.

Just as simple swaps make your diet sustainable, a support system makes your activity sustainable. It's another way to outsource the hard work of motivation to a reliable system. Join a sports league or club to build a support system that provides regular encouragement.

The psychological insight here is powerful: "You'll find that the urge to get out and move more comes from other people wanting to do it with you..." This external support system can carry you through days when your personal motivation is low, making it far easier to stay consistent.