Are you looking to start a fitness journey but don’t know where to begin? That’s a common issue, especially if you’ve never been a gym buff. Don’t be discouraged! It’s never too late to get active and improve your overall health and wellbeing. Here are some easy tips to help beginners on their journey to fitness, so you can start making strides in the right direction.
1. Step One: Make the Decision to Get Active
Making the decision to get active is the first step to living a healthier, happier life. The hard part can be taking that first step – kicking off the process with determination and enthusiasm. Luckily, we’re here to help! Here are a few tips to help get you started on your journey:
- Set yourself a goal – What results are you hoping to achieve? Aim for a specific, measurable and achievable goal to work towards. That could mean a certain amount of time you’ll spend exercising each week, a certain weight goal to attain, or a certain skill to master – the choice is yours!
- Find something you love – There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting active. You may find that yoga or running is your favourite form of exercise – or maybe something more creative or unique appeals to you! Taking the time to find something you truly enjoy makes it more likely you’ll stay motivated.
- Tell your friends and family – A great way to stay motivated during those initial few weeks of embarking on an active lifestyle is to let your friends and family in on the secret. Having their support and encouragement every step of the way is invaluable.
Starting an active lifestyle can seem like a daunting prospect. It helps to remember that everyone takes small steps first. Before you know it, you’ll be taking bigger strides – both literally and figuratively – towards meeting your goals.
All you have to do is make the decision to get active and start taking small, achievable steps to reach your goals. With a little hard work and dedication, you’ll soon be reaping the rewards.
2. Defining Your Fitness Goals
It’s time to start taking your fitness more seriously. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). Taking the time to determine what you would like to achieve now will help set yourself off on the right foot to creating the perfect fitness plan for yourself. Here are some helpful tips for :
- Determine Your Why: Take the time to think about your motivation. What do you envision for yourself and your fitness level in the future and why is it important to you? Connecting your “why” to your goals will help to keep you motivated.
- Set Reasonable Goals: Setting goals that are unrealistic and unachievable will be nothing but frustrating. Keep your goals in line with what you know you can handle.
- Write It Down: After you’ve decided your goals, it is important to write them down and commit yourself to achieving them. Having a written record of your goals will help to provide a greater sense of commitment and action.
Your goals and objectives shouldn’t be too easy, but also far from being too hard. They should be something that you are able to look to and strive for. It is essential to ensure that the goals you are setting are something that you are capable of achieving. Establishing goals that are achievable and appropriate for you will give you the motivation to move forward and make progress.
Each of us has different needs and wants for our physical fitness goals, and it is important to really think about the best approach for your body and life. Your goals should be personal and shouldn’t be comparable to others. Be willing to make changes to your goals if necessary and be proud of any progress you have made.
3. Must-Have Resources to Start Your Fitness Journey
Starting a new fitness journey can seem intimidating, but the right resources can set you up for success. Here are three must-have items that can help you on your path to improved health:
1. A Tracking App: When beginning a fitness journey, it’s important to monitor progress and calories. A tracking app like MyFitnessPal or CalorieKing takes the hard work off your plate and allows you to easily log your meals, workout sessions, and progress over time. With an app, you can easily set macro and micro nutrient goals for yourself – and keep yourself accountable along the way.
2. A Fitness Tracker: This essential item will help you stay focused on your long-term fitness goals. Whether you choose a Fitbit, Apple Watch, or some other model, having a fitness tracker on hand is paramount. It will allow you to set weekly goals, monitor your steps, and keep an accurate calorie count over time.
3. A Virtual Training Plan: With technology rapidly advancing, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on a virtual fitness plan. Whether you’re looking for a HIIT, Yoga, or strength training plan, you can find a wealth of options on platforms like Nike Training Club or FIT4MOM. These virtual plans come with detailed instructions and customized schedules to motivate and challenge you.
By investing in these resources, you can start your fitness journey on the right foot and ensure success for the long-haul. Now, let’s get moving!
4. The Rewards of Embarking on a Fitness Journey
Embarking on a fitness journey can be tough, but it is worth the effort. If you dedicate yourself you will be able to reap the rewards that come with being in better physical shape. Here are some of the positive outcomes that you can gain from your journey.
Body Composition
Over time, you can improve the way your body looks and feels. Improving your body composition is linked to reducing the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems. With the help of regular physical activity you can build a stronger and leaner physique.
Sleep Quality
- Getting stronger and fitter can improve your overall sleep quality
- A consistent exercise routine can help restore healthy sleep patterns and reduce fatigue
- With optimal sleep you can experience improved mental clarity during the day
Endurance & Performance
Intensive physical exercise can help you become more efficient at performing physical tasks. You can build strength and power, which can also be beneficial for your everyday activities. With an improved muscular and cardiovascular system, you can last longer, work harder and get more out of your life.
The rewards of a fitness journey are immense. Whether it’s your overall appearance, sleep or performance, taking the time to invest in yourself can help you live a healthier and more fulfilled life.
If your goal is to get fit, don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from achieving it. Starting a fitness journey can help to transform your body and mind. With the tips for beginners presented in this article, you can get yourself up and moving in no time, and feel better for it. Be sure to keep in mind that any workout routine should be enjoyable and rewarding, so make sure you stick to what works best for you!
