Finding a healthy balance in your life is essential. We search for balance and moderation in relationships, eating, hobbies, work and for many of us, fitness.

Fitness not only is a way to feel good about yourself, but it amplifies the things you love to do on a higher lever from living the athletic lifestyle to playing with your kids in the backyard.

Regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender, age, etc., fitness is the simplest way to enjoy all the things you already love in a whole new way.

The workout itself is key to your successful fitness journey. The best way to take your fitness to the next level is by changing the workout itself on a consistent basis. This shocks the body’s muscles by creating muscle confusion and breaking the cycle of “plateau workouts.”

There are so many fitness options out there today. It is important to try new things to get the same results in a different way. 

For example, Pilates is a great way to get the right ab and posture workout. Tyler Gunthrie teaches a great Pilates class downtown at Pure Austin that I highly recommend. 

If you can’t make a class, try something like working out with a partner outside at the park (Austin has quite a few to choose from). This enables you to turn fitness into something social while creating a sense of accountability on each other’s behalf. 

Finding these workouts is easy, whether it be something you find on YouTube or in a magazine. Just make sure you do the workouts correctly. 

So next time you head to the gym, try boot camp or Pilates instead of just lifting weights. You will be amazed at how quickly your body will positively react.

I have found a great balance of this in my own life, as well as teaching it to others. My fitness regime varies; I lift weights, run, bike and box twice a week with Adauto “Gallito” Gonzalez.

Gonzalez is a professional boxer who currently reigns as a champion in Texas, and is featured on ESPN. Not only do I get an amazing shoulder, core and cardio workout all in one session, I gain the confidence of knowing I’m training with a current champion.

Remember: Fitness isn’t a chore. It’s a lifestyle.

With these positive lifestyle choices, you should be having fun and seeing results. Everything good in this life is worth fighting for, and fitness is one of those things.

For more information on boot camps, visit www.traincorefit.com; on boxing, email adautogallitogonzalez@hotmail.com; and on Pilates, email tylermusic.gunthrie@gmail.com.