Adrian Volenik
I had a roommate who was incredibly fit and healthy, yet I’ve seen them exercise maybe a couple of times in 3 years.
That’s why, one day, I decided to get to the bottom of the mystery. With their approval, I tracked what they did for a month.
Here’s what I found out:
1) Regular exercise
To my surprise, I learned that they did, in fact, exercise regularly. However, they didn’t go to the gym.
It was much simpler. They’d take the stairs instead of the elevator or go for a walk during their lunch break.
They also opted for a bicycle ride to run errands or enjoy a leisurely bike ride in their neighborhood rather than using a car.
Plus, they had plenty of hobbies that kept them active. The key is finding ways to move that you enjoy and can sustain over time.
Take up sports, and you won’t have to exercise a minute of your life.
2) Mix up workouts
Instead of sticking to a monotonous exercise routine, people who stay effortlessly fit keep things interesting by varying their workouts.
This not only prevents boredom but also challenges different muscle groups. They might do a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
For instance, one day, they could go for a run, while the next, they do a yoga session.
3) Balanced diet
They also focus on eating a variety of foods that include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
It’s about getting the right mix of nutrients without resorting to strict diets or cutting out entire food groups.
My roommate simply ate a bit of everything. I found them enjoying small snacks many times per day, so they weren’t hungry but also not too stuffed.
They told me they were never on fancy diets or cut their favorite foods out. They managed to find a balance and made sure to get a good mix of the good stuff on their plate.
Still, you have to limit processed foods as much as you can.
4) Limit processed foods
Staying effortlessly fit is also about choosing natural foods instead of heavily processed ones.
By focusing on whole foods, you avoid the hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and excess sodium often found in processed options, which can negatively impact your health and fitness goals.
You see, they get it: these whole foods are real, relatable, and wholesome. It’s not about being a nutrition expert.
It’s about understanding that in these foods, there are fewer hidden surprises. And by making a conscious effort like that, you too can be and stay effortlessly fit.
But you should also think about the following:
5) Mindful eating
Mindful eating means you savor your meals and eat slowly. Instead of rushing through a meal, you take the time to appreciate each bite.
This approach helps the people who stay naturally fit to notice when they’re full, preventing overeating.
I know my roommate also never watched the TV or smartphone while eating to fully focus on and, more importantly, enjoy the food.
But here’s what else she did:
6) Portion control
Portion control is keeping an eye on how much is on your plate. Instead of stressing over detailed diet plans or counting every calorie, you simply need to know when to say, “That’s enough.”
In Okinawa, one of the world’s blue zone regions, people who live to be more than 100 years old try eating until they’re 80% full.
They’re making sure they don’t overdo it and enjoy the meal without feeling stuffed or guilty afterward.
This simple habit helps you build a healthy, relaxed connection with food, where you savor every bite without feeling the need to overindulge.
Why not try it for a week and see how you feel?
7) Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health. I try drinking at least 100 oz (3 liters) of water each day.
Sometimes, I manage it, other times, I don’t.
The easiest way is to keep a water bottle with you and take sips throughout the day. Proper hydration supports digestion, regulates body temperature, and keeps energy levels up.
People who stay effortlessly fit aim to drink enough water without getting too caught up in precise daily intake goals.
8) Adequate sleep
Prioritizing sleep was the one thing my roommate highlighted they thought was crucial for their effortless fitness.
They understand that sleep is when the body repairs and regenerates. By consistently getting 7-9 hours of good-quality sleep, they made sure their body recovered, energy levels stayed high, and their overall well-being was at its best.
Adequate sleep supports their lifestyle and helps them feel their best effortlessly.
9) Stress management
When life gets hectic, they have simple ways to chill out. They take a few moments to just breathe deeply because it’s like a mini timeout for their mind.
My roommate always made some time to kick back and meditate, you know, finding a quiet spot to relax and clear their thoughts.
But it’s not all zen. They also make time for hobbies they love, like reading a good book or jamming to music.
You see, when stress creeps in, they don’t reach for a bag of chips or a tub of ice cream. Instead, they’ve got these cool tricks to keep their mind in check.
Managing stress is their secret weapon to avoid unnecessary munching and stay on track.
Think about that for a moment.
10) Listen to their bodies
Effortlessly fit folks are in tune with their bodies and pay attention to physical cues. They really listen to what their bodies are saying:
If they wake up feeling like they’ve been hit by a truck, they don’t force themselves into a grueling workout that day.
They get it; rest is just as important. On the flip side, when they’re all pumped up, feeling like they could take on the world, they might go the extra mile during their workout.
It’s all about going with the flow and making the most of how they’re feeling in the moment – no overexertion, no regrets.
11) Social support
You know what’s awesome? They don’t go at this fitness thing alone. Instead, they rope in their buddies or family.
It’s like having a workout partner or a bunch of cheerleaders. Imagine going for a casual walk with a friend, chatting away, and burning some calories together.
Because that’s what we did.
Or maybe they’re part of a group fitness class, sweating it out with others who share their goals.
When you’re in a club where everyone’s in it together, the journey is more enjoyable, and helps each other stay on track.
Fitness becomes a team effort, not a solo mission.
12) Track progress
If there’s one thing that’s as important as consistency, it’s tracking your progress.
Just like how you keep an eye on the GPS to reach your destination, people who effortlessly stay fit keep an eye on their progress.
It’s not about fancy charts or complicated apps; it can be as basic as jotting down what you did during your workout.
Such as “30 minutes of brisk walking today.”
Or maybe noticing that you could do more push-ups this week than last. Some even use a good old measuring tape to check if their waistline is shrinking.
Tracking progress is like having little milestones that encourage you to keep going, showing you that your hard work is paying off step by step.
13) Celebrate achievements
When they hit a fitness milestone (or any other), they take a moment to pat themselves on the back.
But instead of diving into a tub of ice cream, they choose other treats that make them feel good.
It could be something as simple as buying a new pair of workout shoes, scheduling a relaxing spa day, or even just having a cozy movie night with friends.
These little rewards help them stay motivated and remind them that their hard work is paying off.
It’s a way of saying, “Hey, I did it, and I deserve something special for it!”
What is the best way to stay effortlessly fit?
Staying fit isn’t about extreme dieting or workout plans; it’s about consistency. People who effortlessly maintain their fitness goals stick to their routines over the long term.
They avoid quick fixes and understand that it’s the daily choices that make a difference, not occasional bursts of extreme effort.
