Keeping fit is something that many people overlook until they are out of shape and therefore must work harder to reach their physical goals. However, the work put into keeping your body healthy is worth it in both immediate results and long-term benefits. Here are some tips on fitness that can help keep you happy and healthy for years to come.

If you are still short of your fitness goals, give yourself a confidence boost on your quest to get fit: buy a new clothing item to work out in. Even if it’s not very flashy, you’ll still want to wear it to the gym.

Make sure your workout shoes are comfortable. You’re going to be pushing your body and the last thing you need is extra soreness or even an injury, because you didn’t take the time to find shoes that fit properly. Your shoes don’t have to be expensive, just make sure to walk around in them a bit, to make sure they fit your feet properly.

Try joining sites like Fitocracy or My Fitness Pal to log your exercise and calorie intake. Not only are they good for seeing where you need improvement, but it’s also a community of people with the same goals as you and can give you tips and ideas as well as encouragement.

“All crunches, all the time” is not the proper motto to follow if you want washboard abs. Exercises focusing on the abdominals are sure to build muscle strength, though they are unlikely to burn excess fat around the middle. The way to achieve washboard abs is to reduce the total amount of fat in your body by implementing an improved diet and lots of cardiovascular training.

As stated earlier in the article, keeping fit can be hard work, but the rewards reaped from your efforts will be well worth the work. Maintaining proper fitness can help you lead a longer life, and help you enjoy the life you have now more fully. Follow the advice you learned from this article to get started on the road to better fitness.