Staying “fit” is for some a struggle. Off and on cycles of lifting weights, endless cardio sessions only to give up the following week, and diets only robots could live on are all things associated with fitness. The problem is that this truly is not fitness at all. The lifetime pursuit of optimal health should be at the forefront of your mind, if not, here are 5 ways to stay fit for life.

1. Have Strong Social Circles

You’re the product of your environment. Your environment should be a reflection of who you are, who you want to be, and the people around you should embody your same principles. How many times have you fallen off course because your friends had other plans than working out or eating
healthy? Find a support system of friends that can help each other live to their fullest.

2. Learn to Cook

Let’s face it, most guys are a klutz in the kitchen. While some of us can make incredible feasts our grandma’s would be jealous of, the majority struggle just setting the timer on the oven. Cooking and preparing your own food will pay dividends in your own fitness. You do not see the world’s fittest people in the drive-thru on a daily basis for a reason.

3. Live Outside

You wake up, sit in a car, sit at work, and then go home to sit on the couch. Go outside, breathe fresh air, and stay active! Stepping outside for just a few minutes a day can let nature be your best advantage. America’s most in shape cities are the sunniest ones. there is a correlation to the outdoors and fitness you cannot deny.

4. Stick to a Plan

A plan or program can keep you going even when you aren’t “feeling it” or are too tired to make it to the gym. Falling behind on a plan means lengthening the results you are after or never achieving them at all. Find a plan and stick to it. Too many people jump from goal to goal without ever seeing true results and then blame the failure on the programs they never followed! Achieving short term goals can help you stay in the gym and fitter for longer.

5. Find Fun in Your Workouts

Enjoying your workout is 99% of the fight. Whether it be lifting weights, running, cycling, or group fitness based workouts, whatever you do should make you smile. That elation you get standing over your own pool of sweat should be because that workout was just as intense as it was fun.