Fitness is about more than exercising; it’s about a lifestyle. People who start getting fit, feel better about themselves and are happier and stronger than their sedentary counterparts. If you are ready to get started and do what it takes, here are some quick fitness tips that can start helping you today.

If you are a woman and uncomfortable working out in front of men, check out the many new chains of female-only gyms. Many women are self-conscious of their image, especially those who may be just beginning to take fitness seriously. It can be intimidating to go to a gym filled with the opposite sex. By keeping groups small and female-only, many of these new gyms are perfectly suited for a woman starting out on her fitness journey.

In order to achieve the best results from your fitness workout, stay hydrated. If you sweat out too much of your body weight, it creates stress on your cardiovascular system, which can negatively affect your performance. Approximately 2 hours before your workout, drink at least 16 oz (two cups) of fluids. While exercising, drink about 10 oz every 20 minutes: more if it is a high intensity workout. Upon finishing your workout, drink another 16 oz. This may seem like a lot, but it is surprising how dehydrated you can become in a very short time.

Swimming is a great form of exercise and it doesn’t put any stress on the body. When you swim you are working all the muscles in your body giving your whole body a nice relaxed workout. If you are not used to swimming then it may take awhile to get used to it but you’ll come to enjoy it in time.

Join the ranks of fit people by implementing these tips and falling into a routine of regular behavior that includes exercise and a healthy diet. By taking control of your fitness, you are taking control of your life. It’s not just the physical results that you’ll start to see, either. It’s entirely possible that a fit lifestyle will affect your entire life, if you let it.