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Men: How To Get Your Body In Peak Performance Shape

You'd like to trade your soft belly for a six-pack, but with every year that passes that dream seems less and less likely to come true. Don't give up yet, though. With dedication, healthy habits and proper training, you can work your way to the best shape of your life.

Make Changes Gradually

Getting fit requires kicking bad habits and replacing them with healthy ones. As much as you might want to achieve your peak state tomorrow, shaping up is a process and the only way to get there is step-by-step.

Begin with one change, whether it's starting each morning with a green smoothie, taking a daily supplement or creating an exercise schedule. For two weeks, focus on making this change a regular habit. Once this routine is established, add in another new change, and then another two weeks after that. This might not feel like the fastest route to becoming healthy, but it's much more sustainable than a complete 180 overnight.

Combine Fitness And Fun

Leisure time doesn't have to mean relaxing on the couch. By keeping moving during your down time, fitness becomes an all-day practice. From martial arts classes to volleyball leagues, there are programs in your community that will support your fitness goals in a fun way. You can also pair up with a gym buddy, run with a friend or organize an intramural program at your office.

For those who are driven by competition, set your sights on a goal. Whether that's entering — or even winning — a 10K, losing more pounds than any of your work buddies or lifting more weights than ever before, the thrill of working toward a win may be just the motivation you need to help you get fit.

Combine Cardio And Strength Training

For maximum fitness, your body needs the benefit of both strength work and cardio exercise. Building muscle helps you perform cardio exercise more efficiently, and doing cardio training improves the definition that you're getting from all of that muscle building.

For the best results, balance your strength and cardio training. Doing a full cardio workout and a full set of resistance exercises on the same day overly taxes your muscles, but scheduling the two fitness approaches on alternating days gives your body a chance to recover from one before focusing on the other.

For those who aren't complete beginners, metabolic training is another approach to consider. This style of workout incorporates both weights and cardio in the same workout. Such programs are intense, but effective, and built-in recovery periods help you perform each step at your full potential.

Consult A Coach For A Personalized Plan

Balancing strength and cardio is smart, but finding the right mix can be tricky. Instead of depending on your limited know-how, turn to a professional who will draft a fitness regime that's just right for you. A good coach will personalize a plan based on your strengths, fitness needs, lifestyle and schedule. Not everyone has hours each day to dedicate to the gym, but a good coach will help you achieve maximum results in the pockets of time that are available to you.

Guidance from a professional isn't limited to gym tips, either. From nutrition advice to workout plans, your pro will help you achieve overall health and wellness, and before you know it, you'll be on your way to the best shape of your life.

Meghan Ross is a freelance writer covering all things home and living. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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