Many people are of the belief “no pain no gain” which may not be entirely applicable in all situations. When exercising for the first time, especially weight lifting, you may have sore muscles and even feel very fatigued. Not to worry, this is typical.

What if I told you there are better ways to get results A smarter way!

THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND
Well here are some easy guidelines that should help you maximize your work out. First thing to decide is what are you working toward. Is it a lean tight killer body or just to feel healthier. Once you know what you want, begin to set goals (put them down on paper) start with 1-3 months. Finally, to get yourself into the right frame of mind to work smarter. A regular schedule will help.

A WAY OF LIFE
Dedication is very important! By allocating your time with adequate rest periods you can be dedicated to achieving your goal without feeling overwhelmed (remember work smarter not harder).

Your workout is a routine just like your morning cup of coffee or watching the nightly news. Try to make health and fitness a part of your daily living, so that you don't make excuses about not having the time or energy.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Keep in mind also health and fitness isn't just running and lifting iron but for the most part it is what we eat!!!
I was used to hearing people say; “Garbage in garbage out” but what they failed to tell me was that most garbage stays behind as unwanted fat and cellulite. Well, here I am with a host of bad eating habits and the belly to prove it.

If you hear stories like this, or even live it yourself, then you may know that the hardest part to staying healthy is eating healthy. Not to worry because the title of the article you're reading is Work Smarter Not Harder, which goes for eating too. The first thing that I recommend is to take a look at your favorite foods and snacks then start identifying the stuff that is just unhealthy. Ok, don't get scared! Here's what you're going to do, instead of buying these things each time you go to the grocery store make a list of your favorite foods, split it in into two halves Group A and Group B. Now you buy group A the first time and group B the next visit. Notice I didn't say discard anything, what we want to do is substitute more vegetables and healthy protein. By so doing you will acquire a taste for healthier foods.

Just like our workout schedule, our eating habits should be a way of life. In other words when I say to you eat four times a day, it doesn't mean to cook “Jamaican size” meals, but try a balanced breakfast of fruits and wheat, then have a good lunch (home made sandwich will do). Try to have an early dinner and if your are awake late at night have something like a protein shake.

Last but not least, take the time to visit a nutritionist and ask them about some of the better foods to eat.