Many of us have our own personal fitness goals, particularly when a new year rolls around, but it can be difficult to know the best way to get fit. There is countless information out there about exercise and healthy eating, but it can be tough differentiating between the correct information and the myths.
If you are looking for the best way to get fit and are keen to embark on your own exercise journey, then continue reading! We delve into the purpose of exercise and nutrition, as well as highlight the best fitness and nutrition courses to take online.
Whether you want to lose weight and get fit, or you’re keen to learn about nutrition and the benefits of healthy living, we have the answers.
The Benefits of Exercise and Nutrition
To get the most out of life, we need to look after ourselves in every department, and that includes physical health. A large misconception is that you have to strive for a certain body type to be healthy but having a certain appearance does not necessarily mean that you are healthy on the inside.
Getting the right level of nutrition and fitness is key to living a balanced lifestyle. You may think that you need to be a fitness buff in the gym or a long-distance runner to achieve a healthy body, but there are many types of physical activity that can help you lose weight and get fit, should that be your goal. For example, you may want to try:
- Long walks
- Cycling
- Playing team sports
- Going to dance classes
Many people exercise to get their bodies in shape, but fitness and nutrition courses will teach you that physical appearance is just one result that comes with healthy eating and exercise. There are many benefits, such as lowering the risk of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Bowel cancer
- Breast cancer
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip fractures
Research also shows that being fit and active in your elder years can prevent falls and developing dementia. There are also studies indicating that being physically active helps limit the risk of depression and other mental health issues.
As well as moving more, one of the best ways to get fit is by adopting a balanced diet. Healthy eating is paramount when it comes to giving your body the nutrients that it needs. By studying fitness and nutrition courses, you can learn all the types of foods that benefit our bodies. Eating a balanced diet brings plenty of benefits, including the following:
- Stronger immune system
- More energy
- Better mood
- Enhanced overall wellbeing
- Increased lifespan
Ways to Lose Weight and Get Fit
One of the many new years resolutions that people adopt is to ‘lose weight and get fit’. It is normal to put on a few pounds during the festive holiday after indulging in sweet treats. Once January hits, many people start looking for the best way to get fit so they can feel healthy again.
Throughout the year, though, millions of people around the globe decide to lose weight and get fit. It is important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one may not work for another. There are some standard exercise and nutrition tips that you can follow to improve your health, such as:
- Eat breakfast – Many people skip breakfast in the mornings because they’re either in a rush or don’t want to eat first thing. However, skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight and get fit because you could miss out on key nutrients. Plus, you’re more prone to snacking throughout the day if you don’t eat in the morning
- Eat regular meals – While some skip breakfast, others don’t have lunch or dinner. Whatever meal schedule you choose, make sure you are eating at regular intervals, whether that be three big meals a day or five small meals a day. Whatever works for you, ensure that you have regular mealtimes every day
- Add fruit and veg to your diet – To lose weight and get fit, you should have plenty of fruit and vegetables in your meals. These ingredients are high in fibre and low in calories and fat, which will not only help with weight loss, but the vitamins and minerals will help your overall health
- Drink lots of water – Drinking water is not only healthy, but it could prevent you from overeating. Sometimes people think they’re hungry, when the reality is they’re thirsty!
- Don’t ban foods – When looking for the best way to get fit, some people assume that cutting out unhealthy foods completely is the right thing to do. However, doing this will just make you crave them more! There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself every now and again. All in moderation!
- Move more – A combination of diet and exercise is key if you want to lose weight and get fit. If you are eating well and dropping some pounds, then you are likely to keep the weight off if you exercise
Is an Exercise Bike a Good Way to Get in Shape?
There are plenty of exercises that can help you lose weight and get fit, and if you’re looking for exercise equipment that targets your whole body as opposed to just ab exercises, back exercises, or shoulder exercises, get yourself on an exercise bike!
If you’re not a fan of the gym and prefer to exercise at home, then you can purchase your own exercise bike. Alternatively, if you’re already a gym member, make use of the bikes at your facility. This particular exercise equipment will help you burn calories and fat.
It provides aerobic exercise that doesn’t put intense stress on your joints. Plus, when used correctly, an exercise bike can help strengthen your muscles, heart, and lungs. It can also help you:
- Lose weight and get fit
- Improve your cardio fitness
- Enable you to do interval training
- Stay safe – stationary cycling is safer than road cycling
Enrol on Fitness and Nutrition Courses
All of the advice mentioned above can help you lead a more balanced lifestyle, but if you want to expand your knowledge, then enrol on fitness and nutrition courses. With learndirect, you can study a range of courses that will teach you the best way to get fit.
Whether your personal goal is to lose weight and get fit, or you are keen to transform your passion for fitness and healthy living into a career, we boast a range of courses that can steer you in the right direction. Below, we have outlined some of our courses.
Online Courses for Personal Use
If you want to take fitness and nutrition courses to simply brush up on your knowledge or learn about the benefits of healthy living for your own personal gain, then consider some of the following courses:
Improving Personal Exercise and Nutrition
To gain a solid understanding of nutrition, what makes a healthy diet, and how to monitor personal exercise, then enrol on our Exercise and Nutrition course. You will explore the depths of health and exercise, the relationship between physical activity and nutrition, as well as how to plan your own fitness regime.
Fitness Management
If you want to find the best way to get fit and learn how to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle, then this course is for you. Learn all about nutrition, weight control, exercise programmes, and fitness testing to enhance your personal well-being. In the process of improving your fitness through knowledge, you’ll also get a Level 3 Fitness Management certificate upon completion of the course.
Nutrition and Health
For those of you who want a better understanding of nutrition and how it affects us physically and mentally, then study for the Level 2 Nutrition and Health (RQF) certificate. Delve into the principles of healthy eating and the nutritional needs of children, adults, and the elderly. You will also explore various eating disorders and the connection between food and emotions.
You may also want to consider the following fitness and nutrition courses:
Online Courses for Career Use
If you want to know the best way to get fit for professional purposes, then we have a range of fitness and nutrition courses that suit. Whether you want to pursue a role as a Personal Trainer or become a Nutritionist, we boast a range of online courses that will give you a taste of what’s to come in your career. Explore the following options:
Gym Instructing and Personal Training Practitioner
You can turn your passion for fitness into a rewarding career by learning how to become a Personal Trainer, showing others the best way to get fit, or lose weight and get fit. The Gym Instructing and Personal Training Practitioner (RQF) Level 3 Diploma will help you pursue a professional role and set up your own business. The course also meets the requirements for a practitioner membership with the CIMSPA.
Diet and Nutrition Advisor
To pursue a role as a Nutritionist or Nutrition Advisor, you need to become an expert in this area. We have fitness and nutrition courses that will get you prepared for a future role, giving you essential knowledge for your career pursuit. Our Level 3 Diet and Nutrition Advisor certificate will enable you to set up your own private practice or push you on to further studies. From metabolism and exercise through to carbohydrates and proteins, you will learn everything you need to know about nutrition!
Pilates Trainer
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on body conditioning, strengthening muscles, building endurance and enhancing flexibility. It is a great way to maintain a healthy balance both physically and in the mind. If you have a love of Pilates, you can become a professional trainer by studying the art of the exercise. You will learn the eight principles of Pilates, as well as relaxation and imagery, preparing you for your future career.
You may also want to consider the following courses:
- Nutritional Therapy
- Sports Therapist
- Sports Psychology
Start Your Fitness Journey Today!
For those of you keen to learn the best way to get fit or learn how to help others to lose weight and get fit, select from our range of fitness and nutrition courses! You can get started online today by speaking to one of our Course Executives on 01202 006 464 or contacting us online. Alternatively, click below to discover more about our fitness and nutrition solutions!
