Back to Basics for the best results - TBF Style

1. Have Fun

If you're not having fun with your fitness, it's easy to lose interest. If the idea of walking on the treadmill bores you to tears, don't do it!

2. Set Goals

Maybe you want to fit into a smaller dress size, decrease your body fat percentage, cut your 1 km time, or set a new lifting PR. Well, set a goal, map out a plan, and get to it! I always have clients set short-term (30-day) and long-term (3-6 months) goals. With these goals in mind, we can map out the necessary plan of attack. That plan will help you stay focused and on the path to success.

3 . Drink Enough Water!

Before you say, "Tell me something I don't know lol" allow me to elaborate. While the reminder to drink water may sound unnecessary and obvious, many people often mistake their thirst for hunger. If you just ate a meal and are still hungry, you could just be dehydrated.

4 . "Pass The Protein, Please"

While exact daily protein requirements vary by individual and goal, you need enough to maintain and build lean muscle mass. Aim to consume about 2 gram of protein per Kg of bodyweight per day, divided among 4-6 meals. A diet this rich in protein will help you feel fuller for longer while refueling your muscles post-workout.

On that note, remember that proper supplementation is important and must fit your goals. Yes, I understand that supplements can seem a bit overwhelming, so start simple: protein, fish oil, and a multivitamin are great choices. Train hard and conduct your own research before using supplements.

Don't just buy something your friend touts as "the latest and greatest." It may not pertain directly to your goals or needs.

5 . Pile On The Greens

This tip applies regardless of your exact fitness goal. Adding vegetables to most meals brings fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to your diet, and will help keep you full for a longer period of time.

Don't think that adding veggies means you're done. You also need to make sure you eat a consistent, balanced diet. Your hard efforts in the gym will not be evident in your reflection if you don't consistently follow your meal program. The saying "abs are made in the kitchen" is not just a rumor created by the Food Network in an attempt to create more culinary wizards. If you want that lean, toned, or ripped appearance, you have to stay dedicated to both your training and your meal program.

6 . Prepare To Succeed

When it comes to meals, don't be caught off-guard. The more you can plan ahead, the better. Don't get me wrong, you don't need a week's worth of food proportioned out in Tupperware ahead of time in order to be successful.

Don't think that adding veggies means you're done. You also need to make sure you eat a consistent, balanced diet. Your hard efforts in the gym will not be evident in your reflection if you don't consistently follow your meal program. The saying "abs are made in the kitchen" is not just a rumor created by the Food Network in an attempt to create more culinary wizards. If you want that lean, toned, or ripped appearance, you have to stay dedicated to both your training and your meal program.

7 . Sleep Sufficiently

Yes, you read that correctly—make sure to get your ZZZs! Rest is crucial to our fat-loss and muscle-building goals. Lack of sleep raises cortisol levels and hampers proper recovery. Aim for 6-8 hours of sleep each night.

8 . Mix It Up!

Many dedicated gym-goers fall into a workout rut. Break out of boredom by challenging yourself in new ways. Try new movements, set aside the dumbbells in favor of a barbell or cables, or grab a buddy and try a class. Don't just set up camp at your usual corner or elliptical.

Although making changes to your workouts is important, make sure your changes are still going to help you reach your goals. If you're trying to improve your 10K time, I'm not sure doing a 5X5 squat regimen is going to help. Make smart adjustments to your program as they pertain to your goals. You don't have to drastically change your workouts every week. Make simple adjustments to keep making progress.

9 . Lift Weights

I constantly hear women say things like, "I just want to tone, so all I need to do is cardio." This could not be farther from the truth. Cardio without weight training will leave you "skinny fat."

You might have a thinner frame than when you started, but your physique won't be any tighter. Depending on your overall weight loss, you could end up with loose skin. Yikes.

Resistance training increases your metabolism by building lean muscle. The more muscles you have, the more calories you burn.

More muscle and less fat means you'll strengthen, tighten, shape, and "tone" your entire physique. Think twice before skimping over the free weight section!

10 . Stay Consistent

None of this information will be of much value if it's not done consistently. No matter your goal, consistent efforts are rewarded with hard-earned results. It's that simple. There's no replacement for consistent time under the bar, so get after it!