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Getting fit quickly may seem like an impossible goal (or an unhealthy one consisting of crash diets and strenuous exercises).

It’s possible to lose weight, tone up, and get closer to your “healthy weight” faster than you may think, though.

Especially if you just need to lose a few pounds quickly, these are some excellent resources to show you how.

Healthy Resources to Get Fit Quickly

While I’d love to provide you with a simple “do this and lose weight” anecdote, I have to confess that there isn’t one (at least, I haven’t found one). However, these videos, magazines, and books have helped me research healthy ways to get fit (lose weight and tone up) faster than I would’ve if I had just “winged it.”

Videos

21 Day Fix

If you want to change your entire body, I can’t say enough about The 21 Day Fix. In addition to excellent exercise videos (most of the videos are 30 minutes long, and you’re supposed to do one of the eight videos each day for 21 days), The 21 Day Fix comes with portion control containers and a diet plan. It’s made such a huge difference in my life. Read my full review here.

Beachbody On Demand

If you’re looking for a variety of workouts, I loved Beachbody On Demand. You’ll have access to a huge library of exercise videos. While most of the videos available are Beachbody’s older videos, you can also access some of the newer ones, like Cize or The 21 Day Fix for an additional fee.

Magazines

Inspirational magazines can be a great way to pass the time when you’re exercising on the treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike (or even when you’re on the couch and need some motivation to get up). These magazines have so many great articles (they cover everything from the science behind healthy foods and exercises, to advice on skin care and health). I love the way that these magazines also have short tips – perfect for when you’re running and can’t really focus on an entire article.

Self Magazine

In addition to great articles and an easy-to-read layout, Self Magazine also has monthly diet and fitness challenges (and prizes) that you can subscribe to read via email or text. It’s a light, “happy” magazine that I look forward to reading when I’m exercising (I only allow myself to read it when I’m on the stationary bike or treadmill in our basement). 😉

Women’s Health Magazine

Women’s Health Magazine is a little more in-depth than Self Magazine. It doesn’t have as many “fluff” articles, like interviews with inspiring celebrities. However, Women’s Health is a great magazine if you’re looking to find out more cut and dry articles about health, fitness, and food, and how they affect your mind and body.

Shape Magazine

Shape Magazine seems to be a middle ground between Self Magazine and Women’s Health. It’s an easier read than Women’s Health, but still has some longer, more informative articles.

Books

The 4-Hour Body

The 4-Hour Body is a fitness bible. I’ve been focusing on the Rapid Fat Loss section, but the entire book has well-researched, scientific-based ideas about fitness (reducing fat or adding muscle), effective foods to eat, and so much more.

I’m working on changing the way that my family eats, and this book has been the topic of many family discussions. It’s fascinating, although it’s definitely not light reading.

Despite the fact that this book provides a simple solution to change your diet, it’s really difficult to stick to. I love the principles discussed in the book, especially “the minimum effective dose.” Unfortunately, the diet plan in The 4-Hour Body would be difficult to follow as a lifestyle. It’s great to lose weight quickly, but then I found myself wanting to cheat!

Instead, I found myself referring back to The 21 Day Fix diet, which was less restrictive and seemed more balanced. On The 21 Day Fix diet, I could have two servings of fruit and carbs a day, as opposed to The 4-Hour Body diet, which says no fruits or “white” carbs six days a week.

Why We Get Fat

Why We Get Fat is on my to-be-read list. It’s a highly recommended book filled with research on losing weight, dieting, and good nutritional habits.

I’ve been struggling to lose weight for the past few years (probably because I’ve only been focusing on exercise instead of dieting – cookies, anyone?). This book has researched-backed guidance to create a realistic diet.

If you’re in a rush to get fit quickly, or even if you’re struggling to create a healthy lifestyle, I highly recommend these books, videos, and magazines to point you in the right direction. Since using these tools as a guide, my health has changed dramatically!

Have you been struggling with your diet or fitness goals? What’s been working (or not working) for you?

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