5 Habits of Fit People

It's not a surprise that people who go to the gym tend to be in better shape than those who don't.

And without a doubt, the reason why they are healthier and fit resides within their habitual life.

But what are the specific habits of people who make fitness a priority?

This is exactly what we’re discussing in this blog post. Keep reading and steal some of these habits from the fittest people around.

#1 Waking Up Early

Most people who are into fitness understand that waking up early is one of the key habits of fit people.

When you wake up early, you have more time to work out, eat a healthy breakfast, and get on with your day.

Because let's be real, life likes to throw us curveballs and one of the most common excuses to not take care of your body is "I don't have time." If you wake up early, you're opening yourself to a greater window of time to do what you have to do.

#2 Exercising

I know...duh! But I can't talk about the key habits that fit people have without talking about working out.

This doesn't mean you have to go all-out in the gym every day. But it does mean moving...regularly.

Having a fit body is simply the side effect of being a functional human being. So...lift some weights. Do some hiking. Do some bodyweight exercises and yoga. Explore all the ways in which your body can move!

Getting in shape isn't difficult. It just requires some effort and dedication.

#3 Meal Prepping

Meal prepping is a great way to make sure you have healthy, home-cooked meals without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

By preparing your food ahead of time instead of ordering out, you can save both money and time. You'll also have control over the ingredients and portion sizes of your meals.

Meal prepping is a great way to make sure you have healthy, home-cooked meals without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

By preparing your food ahead of time instead of ordering out, you can save both money and time. You'll also have control over the ingredients and portion sizes of your meals.

#4 Non-Exercise Activity

One of the other considerations is that fit people are generally more active in their daily lives. This refers to NEAT - Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis.

While most people have jobs that are very sedentary, and many view activity and exercise as a chore, movement is really just a fundamental thing for fit people.

A side note worth mentioning here is that fit people are also more likely to have a better self-image. When you're healthy and fit, it shows in your attitude and the way you carry yourself. This, in turn, encourages you to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

#5 Stress Management

Last but not least, fit people are really good at stress management.

What does that have to do with being fit, you may ask? Well, it’s quite simple - As you have probably figured by now, getting and staying in shape requires a lot of effort. And frankly, unmanaged stress makes it twice as hard to stick to a routine that requires effort.

If you ask any fit person what’s at the core of their routine, you’d hear about things like conscious thought management and meditation.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, besides the obvious things like working out and eating healthy, fit people have some good life habits.

And as we all know, it’s easier to stick to something when it becomes a habit.

So if you want to be one of those fit people (or just get healthier), start forming some good habits today.

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Machines vs. Free Weights: A Comprehensive Look at Strength Training

February 10, 2025

The debate over the superiority of machines versus free weights in strength training has persisted for decades. If you’re searching for a personal trainer in Nashville to help you navigate your fitness journey, understanding the roles of both training methods is essential. Rather than viewing them as competing approaches, it's crucial to recognize how they complement each other in an effective workout program. Machines: A Controlled Environment Machines offer a structured and guided approach to resistance training, making them a staple in almost every gym. Their defining characteristic is the fixed path of motion, which stabilizes the weight and controls movement. This design simplifies strength training, making it accessible to a broad audience, including beginners and those recovering from injuries. For individuals new to personal training in Nashville TN, machines can provide a safe introduction to resistance training. They help users focus on primary muscle engagement without worrying about balance and stabilization. For example, performing a chest press on a machine allows users to isolate the pectorals and triceps without the additional challenge of stabilizing a free weight. However, the structured nature of machines can also be a limitation. Since they guide the user along a predetermined path, they may not accommodate natural joint movement, potentially leading to discomfort or reinforcing imbalances over time. Additionally, machines often bypass stabilizing muscles, which are crucial for functional strength and overall balance. Machines shine in rehabilitation settings, allowing targeted muscle engagement without overloading injured areas. They are also highly beneficial for bodybuilders focusing on muscle isolation. By eliminating the need for stabilization, machines enable lifters to apply greater intensity to specific muscle groups without compromising form. Free Weights: Freedom and Functionality Free weights—including barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells—offer unrestricted movement in multiple planes, making them highly effective for building functional strength. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for athletes and individuals seeking fitness training in Nashville that translates to real-world activities. Unlike machines, free weights demand more from the user, engaging a broader range of muscles with every exercise. For example, a barbell squat not only strengthens the quadriceps and glutes but also recruits the core, back, and smaller stabilizing muscles to maintain proper posture and control. Free weights allow for greater flexibility in workout design, with countless variations of exercises that can be tailored to specific goals. However, this freedom comes with a steeper learning curve. Without proper guidance, improper technique can lead to injury. This is where working with personal trainers in Nashville TN can be invaluable. Free weights are particularly effective for compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, and presses, which work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. However, they can be intimidating for beginners who struggle with form or balance. This is where combining machines and free weights strategically can be beneficial. The False Dichotomy The debate between machines and free weights often presents them as opposing choices, but the truth is they serve different purposes and can coexist within a well-rounded training program. The best approach isn’t about choosing one over the other, but about utilizing both based on individual goals, experience level, and training context. For beginners, machines build confidence and establish foundational strength. As they progress, incorporating free weights enhances balance, coordination, and functional strength. For advanced lifters, machines provide a means to isolate specific muscles after heavy compound lifts. For example, a well-structured leg workout might include barbell squats to develop overall strength and coordination, followed by machine-based leg presses to target the quadriceps with greater intensity once stabilizing muscles are fatigued. Beyond the Gym The discussion also extends beyond gym settings. Many proponents of functional fitness argue that free weights better prepare the body for everyday movements like lifting, carrying, and climbing stairs. These activities require the integration of multiple muscle groups, similar to free-weight exercises. But one thing I am steadfast in saying is that “a strong body is a functional body.” So, any form of training that has a progressive strength element to it should be viewed as “functional,” whether it be machine or free weights. Yet, not everyone trains with functional fitness as their primary goal. For bodybuilders focusing on muscle hypertrophy, machines provide an efficient way to target specific muscles without exhausting stabilizers. This makes them particularly useful for individuals working with personal trainers in Nashville who specialize in body recomposition and aesthetics. Conclusion The choice between machines and free weights isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about how each fits into a well-designed training program. Machines provide safety and simplicity, making them ideal for beginners and focused isolation work. Free weights offer versatility and what is viewed as a more functional strength development, challenging the body in ways that extend beyond the gym. Instead of viewing them as competing options, think of machines and free weights as complementary tools. A personal trainer in Nashville TN can help you develop a program that strategically integrates both, ensuring optimal results based on your fitness level, goals, and needs. By leveraging the strengths of each method, you’ll maximize muscle growth, minimize limitations, and create a sustainable training regimen for long-term success. If you’re looking for expert guidance on incorporating machines and free weights into your workout routine, consider working with personal training in Nashville TN. Contact me today to take the next step in your fitness journey !