Fitness experts all agree that exercising is key to maintaining a healthy body and an active lifestyle. Even with your busy lifestyle, you should try to find time, or even make time, to exercise routinely. This article features many tips that can help you workout quickly and efficiently so you can spend the least amount of time yet get all the benefits of exercising.

Set realistic fitness goals by considering the time you have available and your current level of physical fitness. By setting realistic goals you are less likely to get discouraged and give up. Goals also help you track your progress so you can adjust your goals as necessary to achieve an optimum fitness level.

Keep your neck safe when you are doing crunches by sticking your tongue to your upper palate. It also helps if you look at the ceiling instead of at your legs. This helps you to focus energy on those core muscles that should be getting the workout, not your neck.

A great tip to help you stay fit is to go for hikes. Not only will you be burning a lot of calories, you’ll be able to enjoy nature. Some hiking books list all of the hikes in a certain area and they can be a great resource.

Prohibiting certain foods to enter the house like donuts, potato chips or sugary beverages will help you from sabotaging your fitness program. Instead, clean out your refrigerator and replace the bad foods with healthier fruits, vegetables and water. Drinking plenty of water will help stave off hunger and prevent you from over-indulging.

Walking is a popular exercise and a great way to maintain fitness. It improves circulation, burns calories and strengthens your muscles. While walking, be sure to walk as straight up as possible without arching or leaning forward or backward. Avoid tilting the body, as this will increase your chance of straining muscles.

If you supplement your workouts with high protein drinks, try drinking them immediately after the point where you are unable to continue your reps. If you do not use supplements, you can also try this with a pint of whole milk. Many studies have indicated that this can lead to gains in muscle mass of up to five pounds over two months.

Exercise can really change your life for the better. Apply these easy tips to make your workout easy and fast, while achieving great results. Although you might not appreciate the importance of exercise in your daily routine, once you start, you won’t be able to go back. You feel younger, more energetic, and even in a better mood.