Regular exercise has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. It can help to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, and boost mood and energy levels.
Starting a new workout routine can be intimidating, especially if you feel out of shape or have not exercised in a while. It's normal to feel self-conscious or worried about not being able to keep up with others. However, it's important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere and the most important thing is to just get going.
Here are some tips to help get you on your fitness journey:
Start Small and Set Achievable Goals
If you're new to exercise or feeling out of shape, it's important to start slowly and build up gradually. Begin with low-intensity workouts, such as walking, cycling, or yoga to get your body accustomed to moving and to avoid over doing it.
Once you feel comfortable with low-intensity workouts, you can start to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. This can be as simple as adding a few more minutes to your walk or trying a more challenging route. It's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard too quickly.
To stay motivated and on track, it's helpful to set specific and achievable goals for your workouts. For example, you could aim to work out three times a week for 20 minutes. As you get stronger and more comfortable with exercise, you can gradually increase your goals.
Find a Workout Routine That You Enjoy
One of the keys to sticking with a workout routine is to find something that you enjoy. If you dread your workouts, it will be much harder to stay motivated and make exercise a regular part of your life.
There are many different types of workouts to choose from, so it's a good idea to experiment with a few different options until you find something that you look forward to. Some ideas for workouts to try include dancing, swimming, cycling, lifting weights, taking a fitness class, or going to personal training sessions.
If you're having trouble finding a workout that you enjoy, consider hiring a personal trainer. A personal trainer can help you to create a customized workout plan that is tailored to your fitness level and goals, and they can also advise you on additional healthy habits that will get you even better results than working out alone. For example, a qualified personal trainer will be able to help you learn nutrition habits that will get you to your goals sooner. They'll also provide accountability for you to help motivate you to stick to your healthy habits.
Don't Compare Yourself to Others
It's natural to compare ourselves to others, especially when it comes to exercise and fitness. However, it's important to remember that everyone starts at a different fitness level and progresses at their own pace. Comparing yourself to others can be demoralizing and can take the focus away from your own progress and achievements.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own progress and celebrate your own achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't see progress as quickly as you'd like or if you have an off day. It is normal to have ups and downs and variability in progress throughout your fitness journey. Remember that consistency is key, and every little bit of exercise counts.
Seek Support From Friends and Family
Starting a new workout routine can be overwhelming, especially if you're doing it on your own. Seeking support from friends and family can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable. Share your fitness goals with your loved ones and ask for their support. You might find that they are willing to join you in your workouts or cheer you on from the sidelines.
Working out with a partner or joining a fitness community can also be a great way to stay motivated and accountable. Having someone to exercise with can make workouts more enjoyable and can help to keep you on track. There are many online fitness communities where you can connect with like-minded people and share your progress and challenges.
With a bit of hard work and dedication, you can become fitter and healthier. Remember to take it one step at a time, stay consistent, and don't be too hard on yourself if progress takes longer than expected. With patience and persistence, you will soon see results!
Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself
It's important to remember that starting a new workout routine is a process, and it's normal to have off days or to not see progress as quickly as you'd like. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't meet your goals right away or if you have an off day. Instead, focus on the progress that you have made and the positive changes that you have experienced as a result of your workouts.
Remember that consistency is key, and every little bit of exercise counts. It's okay to take breaks or to have days where you don't feel like working out. The most important thing is to get back on track and keep going.
Reward Yourself
Finally, remember to reward yourself for your accomplishments. Exercise can be hard work, so it's important to acknowledge and reward yourself when you reach milestones or achieve goals. Find small ways to give yourself positive reinforcement such as going out with a friend, giving yourself a spa day, or buying yourself a new piece of workout gear.
These rewards will not only make you feel good but will also help to keep you motivated and on track. So, go ahead and treat yourself for all your hard work!
Starting a workout routine when you feel out of shape can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere. By starting small and setting achievable goals, you can make exercise a regular part of your life and see progress over time. Finding a workout routine that you enjoy and seeking support from friends and family can also help to keep you motivated and accountable. Don't be too hard on yourself and remember that consistency, not perfection, is the key to success.
If you'd like some accountability and support to help keep from falling off track, then give us a call or book your free Transformation session (Available only at our Austin Texas location). At that session you will do a detailed consultation, a short workout, and then your trainer will put together a plan for you to achieve your goals. Click here to get started!
