Physical fitness is a general state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations and daily activities. Physical fitness is generally achieved through proper nutrition, physical activity, and sufficient rest.

Achieving a level of fitness that is deemed to improve your health does not mean that you have to kill yourself every time you put on your trainers. What we are going to focus on is creating sustainable habits that will make you stick to it and enjoy it along the way.

Increase your fitness motivation

Why? Because exercising for just 30 minutes 5 days a week makes you look and feel better while reducing your risks for many chronic conditions. Physical activity boosts your immune system and mental sharpness, and helps you avoid obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart problems.

Fitness habits you must make

Fall in love with it

Regular, repeated activities are essential if you are going to fall in love with being 'fit.'

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but rather a habit.'

Building the correct habits to help you fall in love with being fit, starts by breaking the habits that are holding you back. Starting your week off well first thing on a Monday morning every week will tee you up for a good day, and make you want to come back for more.

Drink more water

Your body is composed of roughly 60% water. That means when we are dehydrated – and most of us spend our days constantly dehydrated to some degree – we are affecting the performance of the majority of our body. Quite frankly, not enought water can be fatal!

One of the greatest assets that you have is your good health. Much of what causes illness is within our control. Some things can’t be controlled (your age, family history of diseases, gender). But others can in your pursuit of creating a healthier lifestyle. And those things aren’t a huge surprise — you already know not to smoke, skip your exercise routine, drink too much, or make poor dietary choices.

Diversify

Let's face it, if it is boring, you won't keep at it. By this I mean, running the same 5km loop every morning, or only going to the gym for your workouts. Diversify, pick up a new sport, find a group that gets together a couple times a week.

I can assure you, if you are having fun and changing your fitness routine, you are far more likely to stick to it.

Rest

What did you say? The Life Habit that I am trying to create is to be fit and you are telling me to rest? YES!

This is huge! Do not get into the habit of working out seven days a week, or even attempting to do so. Incorporate a rest day into your routine so your body has time to recover—or else you could seriously injure yourself, or in the least experience some diminishing returns from your workouts.

Sleep makes you feel better, but its importance goes way beyond just boosting your mood or banishing under-eye circles. Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle and can benefit your heart, weight, mind and more.

Eat healthy food

Eating a healthy, balanced diet plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is an important part of overall good health. Being overweight or obese can lead to health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and stroke. Being underweight could also affect your health.

Why is sugar bad for you? I would suggest leaving sugar behind in creating the habits of eating healthy food in your pursuit of achieving the fitness levels you dream of.

Stretch

Stretch before and after you exercise. Three to five minutes on the front end and the back end is enough—but you've gotta actually do it. Otherwise, your muscles tighten up and you're setting yourself up for injury later, especially as you get older.

Make your workout a part of your day

You know you're going to shower, right? And at some point, you will forage for food. Same holds true for exercise—schedule it in so you don't question its existence on your calendar.

If you are struggling to stay motivated, this how to make exercise a habit.

Find a partner

Choose your friends wisely. It is all good to be out dinning and have a party with your mates. But if that's all your friends want to do, that's not going to be super helpful when it comes to meeting your fitness goals. Be sure to also cultivate some friendships with people who are interested in being active, you will be more likely to follow suit and stay motivated.

Have Fun

Most importantly in building a life of good fitness habits, you must have fun! Think of exercise as your time to release your pent-up energy, and have fun with it! Whether you try a hip-hop dance class, schedule a run with friends, or make a new playlist that you can't wait to use at the gym, it's all about seeing fitness as a fun way to spend your time—not a drag. Actually enjoying your fit lifestyle is what will help you keep with it and really make these habits stick.