This is what will power looks like.

We know several things are true in fitness. It is hard to begin. Keeping momentum is more difficult. There are hurdles to overcome (sometimes real hurdles). And fitness is not one-size-fits-all; that’s something we’ve said before on this blog, but it’s worth repeating.

Setting foundations is important when trying to achieve fitness goals.

The Basics – a dash of preparation and a lot of will power

Motivation comes and goes, but will power lasts a lifetime. Or something like that. Truth is motivation alone isn’t enough to build a foundation. Why? Motivation is hard to come by and easy to take for granted. Some days, you pop a B-12 and you’re ready to take on the World. Most days probably aren’t like that and it requires an equal amount of prep and will power to get through a workout.

Prepare yourself by planning your routine. If you belong to a gym, check out their class schedule. Stay consistent each week while working out different parts of your body each day.

Once you’ve developed the will power to get active, feel free to mix-it up. Gym people: see what new classes are being offered. If your routine is out-of-home, download a video podcast for something different.

Going stag is better than not going at all

A partnership or group should not be part of your foundation. The moment you have to go stag, your foundation will crumble. That’s not to say partnering with a friend for a workout is a bad idea. But almost anything you can do by yourself, you can do with a group.

You have to be strong alone before you can be strong with a group.

Ring, Ring – it’s your body calling

Probably the most important thing anyone can do when creating a foundation for fitness is learning to listen to his or her body. If you’re pushing yourself, you’re just hurting yourself.

Having an ache or sore muscle isn’t the same as pain. Learning to tell the difference between what you should be feeling and what you are feeling can be difficult. Before you start any activity get a physical. A physical will help you know the limits of your body. And if you start to feel uncomfortable about any ache, check with your physician ASAP.

What are your foundations?

Repetitive-use injury results from bad equipment, poor prep, training error and routines that focus on only one part of the body.

Preventing repetitive use can be simple:

1. Check with a physician before you begin a new training routine. Unique bone structure, growth spurts and muscle-tendon imbalances can lead to problems even if an athlete does everything else right.

2. Don’t overload. Pace yourself.

3. Shoes. Wear the right pair of shoes… and other equipment. Also, make sure to train during proper field conditions.

4. Slow and steady wins the race. Most repetitive-use injury happens at the beginning of the training and when the athlete is nearing his threshold. Improvement is important, but don’t overdo it.

5. Cross the tees. Cross-fit training (or mixing routines that work different parts of the body) is a great way to stay active and prevent repetitive injury.

6. The number one most important thing to keep in mind is listen to your body.

Have you experienced repetitive-use injury? How do you avoid it?

Lean Beef

Lean beef is an ideal source of protein, and stir-frying is a quick and easy cooking method. Healthy carbohydrates from rice, and fiber from fresh veggies make this meal perfect after a strength workout. Consuming 20 to 30 grams post-exercise is plenty, and this recipe puts you right in that zone with 24.4 grams. View Recipe: Sirloin and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Eggs and Egg Whites

Eggs have it all. They’re one of the highest-quality protein sources around, because they contain all the necessary amino acid building blocks for healthy muscles. Have this omelet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with 100 percent whole-grain toast for a satisfying meal that provides about 25 grams of protein and about 15 percent of your daily fiber needs. If you’re watching your dietary cholesterol intakes, you can make this recipe with just egg whites or egg substitute and soy cheese in place of the smoked Gouda. View Recipe: Omelet with Summer Vegetables

Protein-Rich Soy

Tofu makes a filling and tasty burger! This vegetarian protein source is full of heart-healthy fats and, like all veggies, is cholesterol-free, yet it still provides your muscles with high-quality protein. (This recipe contains 10.5 grams.) Fresh tomatoes and peppery watercress top off this sandwich, adding flavor plus small amounts of vitamins A and C. View Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Basil Tofu Burgers

Whole Grains with Protein

Quinoa (pronounced “KEEN-wah”) is a mild grain with a pleasant chewy texture―and it’s higher in protein than most whole grains. Cooked in broth, it has even more flavor. Lima beans, black beans, and tofu add extra protein and fiber to this satisfying vegetarian salad, which contains about 10 grams of protein per serving. View Recipe: Black Bean-Quinoa Salad with Basil-Lemon Dressing

Legumes

Legumes such as lentils, beans, and peas come packed with both healthy protein and carbohydrates. Lentils contain metabolism- boosting B vitamins as well as magnesium for bone health and iron for healthy red blood cells. These salsa-topped crispy cakes make a delicious vegetarian entrée with about 16 grams of protein. View Recipe: Red Lentil Cakes with Simple Tomato Salsa

Skinless Chicken Breasts

Skinless chicken breast is one of the leanest sources of protein. One 3-ounce serving has 94 calories, 20 grams of protein, and about 1 gram of fat. Quesadillas are easy to make with many fresh vegetables and some low-fat cheese. Use whole wheat flour tortillas to incorporate some additional whole grains. View Recipe: Spicy Chicken Quesadilla

Fish Rich in Omega-3s

Seafood is an ideal protein because it’s low in artery-clogging saturated fat. Plus, fatty fish rich in omega-3 fats can help lower triglyceride levels. There are so many kinds to choose from that there’s something to please everyone’s palate. Cod is a tender and mild fish and contains about 135 mg of omega-3s per 3-ounce serving. Cod also contains selenium, a mineral with antioxidant powers involved in enzyme function. View Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod with Basil Sauce