There are several things to keep in mind when trying to accomplish your fitness goals but the main 3 that must be followed are EXERCISE, NUTRITON, and REST. One is not more important than the other, the truth is that you need all 3 in order to be successful at whatever goals you are trying to achieve. Exercise is the most obvious and what people think is the most important aspect. Most think that just because they are exercising they should be seeing results. I do believe that you can but I also believe in most cases, you are not going to see substantial results and you will definitely hit a plateua at some point with your training. Nutrition is a key component as well. You must provide your body with the proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in order for your workouts to be most effective. This means eating the proper foods in order to have enough energy stored in your body to attain maximum results but also the proper macronutrients afterwards in order to help your body recover faster, repair muscle tissue and in turn, have your muscles come back stronger. The last thing is rest. This is the area which is overlooked by many people. You need to be getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night and it should be deep sleep where you are not tossing and turning all night.Here are some tips to help you sleep better.... 1. Get in a routine: Go to bed at the same time each night 2. Have a bedroom, not a hangout: Your room should be quiet, dark, and only be used for two things...intimacy and sleeping. 3. Keep your techno gadgets(alarm clock, cell phone, tv, ect) away from you and across the room( if in your room at all). Experts have varied opinions but some say the waves or signals in devices can effect sleep patterns as well as the light coming from these devices. Furthemore, playing with your cell phone or a video game can stimulate your mind enough to affect you falling asleep so stay off of them 1 hour before bed. 4. Exercising regularly to help you improve your sleeping habits 5. Don't drink alcohol before bed 6. Make sure you have a comfortable mattress...one that you enjoy sleeping in and that does not give you back pain or other discomfort.
In Summary.....eat healthy foods and select the correct foods to eat according to what your goals are, exercise regularly and combine resistance training with cardio, and make sure you get 7-8 hours of rest along with giving proper time for your muscles and body to recover.
Let me know if I can be of any help and don't be shy!
GetGlynnyFit