Start Here: Find Your Fitness Path

I'm Rich Dafter, founder of Howtobefit.com. I've been coaching since 1982, and I train seven days a week myself. I started with P90X in March 2007 and have done nearly every new BODi program released since. BODi began tracking completed workouts with Badges in March 2022, and I've earned 31 of them for finishing full programs since then. I'm also 75. But if you're picturing what that usually means, picture something else instead: I was a national-class runner before a car accident derailed my health for nearly 20 years, and I fought my way back to real, competitive fitness. I'm not here to tell you how to age gracefully. I'm here to help you get strong, capable, and consistent, at whatever age you're starting from.

You can follow what that actually looks like day to day: my current training log on Strava, my heart rate data on Polar, and my running-specific writing at Running for a Lifetime, not just advice, the real thing, happening right now.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by fitness advice, programs, and conflicting information online, you don't need more noise. You need a simple starting point, realistic guidance, and a plan you'll actually stick with. That's what this page is for.

Choose Your Starting Path

I Want to Restart My Fitness Journey

If you're getting back into exercise or rebuilding consistency after time off, start simple.

Focus on:

• Walking
• Low-impact cardio
• Beginner strength training
• Short daily movement sessions
• Consistency over intensity

Next Step: Explore Beginner-Friendly BODi Programs

I Want to Lose Weight and Get Fit

Weight loss that lasts is built on consistency, movement, strength, and sustainable nutrition, not extreme short-term programs.

Focus on:

• Daily movement
• Strength training
• Portion awareness
• Real nutrition habits
• Accountability

Next Step: Explore My Recommended BODi Programs

I Want to Build Strength and Muscle

Strength is the foundation of everything else, metabolism, posture, performance, and staying capable for the long run.

Focus on:

• Full-body strength training
• Progressive resistance
• Recovery
• Protein intake
• Consistency

Next Step: Strength Training on My Coach Blog

I Want to Run or Train for Endurance

I've been running for almost 60 years and I'm still training and racing. This isn't theoretical for me.

Focus on:

• Building a real base
• Smart progression
• Recovery
• Staying consistent for the long haul

Next Step: Visit My Running for a Lifetime Blog, follow my training on Strava, or explore Next Step Running, my 30-year ode to running in New Mexico

I Want Accountability and a Community

Fitness sticks better when you're not doing it alone.

Communities:

• Nourish and Move on Facebook
• We Are Born to Run on Facebook, my running community
• Getting Stronger Together

I Want Simple, Effective Home Fitness

You don't need a gym, expensive equipment, or hours a day. You need structure and consistency.

Next Step: Explore My Favorite Home Fitness Programs

My Coaching Philosophy

After more than 40 years of coaching, and my own comeback from a life-altering setback, here's what I believe: consistency beats perfection, strength matters at every age, movement is non-negotiable, and fitness should improve your life, not become a second job. I'm not coaching from theory. I'm still doing the work myself, every day.

Stay Connected

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and check my actual training log anytime on Strava.

Rich Dafter

Founder, Howtobefit.com

Fitness Coach Since 1982, Still Training Every Day

Rich Dafter and his daughter hiking on the Piedra Lisa Trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico