Here’s a harsh truth: the first step of a fitness journey is always the hardest.
This is because it is often a step outside of your comfort zone and normal routine. However, it is something that your future self is sure to thank you for. With that in mind, here are some top tips for those at the start of their fitness journey!
Find a gym that you actually like. The environment that you work out in can have a profound impact on everything from your motivation levels, to the actual results you receive. As such, it is important that you find a gym that you actually like. For example, if you are going to be focusing on functional training or carrying out activities such as sled pulling, you should keep an eye out for a gym with turf.
Move the goal post a little closer. It’s okay to have big goals. However, you need to set your sites on something a little closer to home when first starting out. Otherwise, you risk burnout our running out motivation pretty quickly as the results aren’t coming in as quickly as you expected. As such, while you may want to lose a specific amount of weight, try to break this figure down into several, smaller goals.
Celebrate non-scale victories. Exercising is more than a way to lose weight. As such, you should make sure that you celebrate your non-scale victories too. For example, you may find that you find that your confidence increases with every workout, or that you’re able to run for longer without feeling tired or out of breath.
Find ways to hold yourself accountable. Accountability is just as important as motivation when it comes to working out. Otherwise, you may find that you let yourself skip multiple workouts in a row without having a real reason to do so. As such, you should try to find as many ways to hold yourself accountable as possible. This could include:
- Adding your workouts into your calendar, so that they feel more like an obligation than a suggestion
- Working out with a friend, so that someone is relying on your showing up to each session
- Signing up for workout classes or PT sessions
Remember to change your diet, too. While working out regularly is a great way to improve your fitness levels, you should also make sure that your diet is up to scratch. This is because bodies are made in the kitchen. Moving forward, you should follow a healthy, balanced diet that is packed with the nutrients your body needs to thrive. You should also make sure that you increase your protein intake, as this will help you to build your muscles.
Final thoughts. If you’re reading this article, then you’ve already committed to making a positive change. And, taking the next step is easier than ever when you keep these expert tips in mind. No matter what your long-term goals are, just know that you can do it!