Are you ready to start your journey to a healthier and fitter you? With most of us spending more time at home, now is the perfect opportunity to begin a fitness routine that will set you up for continued success. Whether you’re just starting out or want to kickstart a more focused plan – this guide to fitness for beginners will provide you with the essential tips and tricks to get moving, reach your goals, and have fun along the way.
1. Take the First Step: An Introduction to Getting Fit
Having a fitness routine is essential to good health and to achieving your goals. And while there have been a variety of different fitness trends over the years – we all know that the basics will always remain fundamental elements of any sustainable fitness regimen. By taking the first step and introducing a basic fitness program, you can begin to not only reduce the risk of chronic illness, but also make a profound difference in your own life.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a veteran fitness enthusiast, here are four basic elements of a successful fitness program for you to consider:
- Warm up: Start each of your workouts with dynamic stretching and light aerobic exercise to properly warm up your body
- Strength training: Incorporate strength training exercises to increase muscle strength and endurance
- Cardio training: Perform aerobic exercises like running, swimming, biking or activities such as dance to improve your overall cardiovascular fitness
- Cool down: Cool down with gentle stretches and light bodyweight exercise following a workout to reduce your heart rate and allow your muscles to recover
By following these simple steps, you can lay a solid foundation for any comprehensive fitness program. Not only will you be able to see results quickly, but you will also gain the confidence to explore new areas of fitness and challenge your body to greater heights.
Of course, no two people are the same, and it is important to take into account your individual body type and goals when designing your own fitness program. Make sure to consult your doctor to see if this type of fitness plan is appropriate for you.
Stick with it and be consistent, and you will soon start to see the results and ultimately, be on your way to living a healthier, more active lifestyle.
2. Setting Your Fitness Goals and Crafting a Plan to Reach Them
Set your goals and you’re on your way to achieving a healthier you! It’s important that you are realistic and map out a step-by-step plan so that you can stay motivated and stay on track. Here are a few tips that might help:
- Identify a few overall objectives you’d like to achieve, such as losing a certain amount of pounds or gaining certain amount of muscle. Focus on one or two.
- Break down each overall objective into smaller ones if needed. For example, if you have an overall goal of gaining 20 pounds of muscle, break it down into 5 pound increments.
- Set reasonable timelines for reaching each goal. Be sure to give yourself enough time as there will be days that you won’t be as motivated or be able to complete your intended objectives.
- Create an action plan for desired results. Focus on what action you need to take daily, such as what exercises and nutrition plan you’ll follow for each day.
- Track, track, track! Tracking your progress is an invaluable tool in helping you stay on track. Measure your progress over time and adjust your plan accordingly.
Setting your fitness goals and mapping out a plan can be hard to keep up with, but just keep reminding yourself why you’re doing it. Bring it back to your end goal — to improve your health and fitness.
You’ll want to get your diet in check. Meal prepping and cooking your meals ahead of time can help make sure your meals are balanced and provides convenience. Or you may want to look into healthier food delivery services. Also, staying committed to reducing or cutting out unhealthy snacks and opting for healthier alternatives, like fruits and veggies, will help you reach your goals in no time.
For exercise, having a workout routine can help you focus on strength training, aerobic activity, and muscle building. To keep up your exercise routine, try to find activities that you enjoy. Also, joining a gym or fitness community can help you stay on track. Working out with a friend or group can help you stay motivated and make sure you keep to your fitness goals.
3. Get Out and Get Moving: Introducing Exercise to Your Routine
For many, the thought of starting an exercise routine can be a daunting task. But having a regular workout routine can bring many benefits. Research shows that working out can help reduce stress, fight depression, improve heart health, and help with weight loss. Here are some simple ways to get out and get moving:
- Take it slow. When first introducing exercise to your routine, don’t try to accomplish too much too quickly. Try setting a goal of exercising at least three times per week, and gradually increase your regimen as you become more comfortable.
- Ditch the Gym. Going to a gym can be intimidating for many people. If it isn’t your thing, that’s okay. There are plenty of other options. Take a walk around your neighborhood or find a nearby hiking trail. Yoga, Pilates, or martial arts are great for developing strength and flexibility. And don’t forget the great outdoors – swimming, rock climbing, kayaking, and even biking are low-cost ways to exercise.
- Set aside time for yourself. Exercise doesn’t have to be all about training and pushing yourself. You can also try out activities that are more about simply taking time for yourself to relax. Mindful movement like Tai Chi or Qi Gong are great for both the body and soul.
- Get others involved. Find someone who shares your desire to stay in shape, or even someone who might need a little encouragement to get going. Working out with a friend or two can be a great way to stay motivated, and it’s certainly more fun to do it together.
No matter what kind of exercise you choose, make sure it is something you enjoy doing. That way, you’ll be more likely to stay committed and find success in the long run. So have fun, have patience, and don’t be afraid to get out and get moving!
4. Strive for Sustainability: Maintaining Your New Healthy Habits
Be Patience with Yourself
Maintaining healthy habits is more than just understanding the general tips and tricks of staying healthy. Maintaining or sustaining them requires a great deal of commitment and a little bit of patience. You won’t become a well-educated nutritionist overnight. Making health a sustainable lifestyle requires time and dedication.
Nourish Your Goals
Focus on your final goal and archive it through consistent, measurable and assignable actions steps. These should be simple yet consistent habits that are easy to keep up within your daily schedule. As a result of adhering to these, you will be able to move in the direction of you’re desired results.
Be Prepared for Obstacles
Stay positive no matter the hills or valleys on this health journey. It’s important for our mental health to stay adaptable and inspired to continue. Remind yourself of the bigger picture and why it is important for you to keep striving for your goals.
Make Your Environment Supportive
Develop a safe environment that can support the drive to sustain your new healthy habits.
- Identify any triggers or weaknesses you have and develop a plan to address them
- Find a routine that works for you
- Develop a positive attitude to keep yourself inspired
- Find a support system – this can also help during rocky periods
- Set realistic goals
When adding a new healthy habit, think of it as a positive investment. With consistent dedication, you will soon be able to reap the rewards of this investment. Remember, healthy habits can and will become habits if given the time, consistency and dedication you need to sustain them.
Starting your fitness journey need not be as intimidating as you once thought. With patience and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier version of you. Change your habits and watch your body, mind, and soul transform. The journey is yours, so make sure to treasure and enjoy it!
