They say "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…" and sure, maybe it's a little cliché – but it's the perfect analogy for people looking to begin a workout and fitness regime.
Starting a healthy workout regime is tough, and it can be daunting, especially if you’re new to exercise and fitness, but once you commit to a routine and get started you’ll soon be reaping the rewards.
For many people, when starting a workout routine for the first time, it isn’t the exercise at all that’s the issue, but rather, the thought of getting started.
If you’re serious about starting a new workout regime and healthy lifestyle but aren’t sure where to begin first, here are several tips to help get you started.
Don’t run before you can walk
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when starting a new workout routine or regime, is adopting an ‘all or nothing’ attitude.
If you’re new to exercise, it is essential that you take the time to ease yourself in and familiarise yourself with the exercises and movements that you’ll be performing.
If you’re new to working out for example, you wouldn’t be expected to train as if you were in training for a half marathon. Instead, you should begin slowly and gradually ease your way in and progress slowly as you learn more, become fitter, and become more confident with what you’re doing.
Find your motivation
Despite what you see on social media the truth is that some people don't particularly enjoy exercising regularly, and many will lack motivation when starting out, there’s no denying that.
If you’re looking to get started with a new workout regime, it’s important to find your ‘why’.
Don’t just begin training because it’s considered healthy, actually consider the health benefits it will provide, and consider what your main goals and objectives are.
Are you looking to lose some fat, increase your energy levels, look better in your favourite clothes, or to simply improve your fitness in general?
Whatever your goals are, remind yourself of them the next time you’re lacking the motivation to get started.
Look for activity that brings you pleasure
The great thing about exercise is the fact that there are so many different activities for you to follow.
When working out, it’s important that you enjoy what you’re doing, otherwise you run the risk of losing interest, resenting your training regime, and even making yourself unhappy in the process.
Look for activity that brings you pleasure, that you will actually look forward to doing and you’ll find it much easier to get started, and much easier for you to stick with it.
Give yourself set days
Finally, if you’re serious about starting a new workout routine, it’s important for you to give yourself a series of set days for training, and to stick to them.
Don’t just exercise whenever you feel like it because this doesn’t provide you with any structure, and it means that you’re not held accountable.
If you have set days for working out, i.e. Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you know that those 3 days of the week are reserved for training. You can then plan your week around those days, and you will also be held accountable if you decide you want to skip a session.
🙌 Start your journey today! 🙌
There will never be a better time to start your first-of-a-thousand steps than right now. Grab your phone and jot down answers to the following questions:
- What's an appropriate activity for me right now? (Don't run before you can walk)
- What's my fitness "why"? (Find your motivation)
- What type of activities do I enjoy, or how can I incorporate something I enjoy (socialising, nature, coffee, the beach) into my workouts? (Look for activity that brings you pleasure)
- What are the days and times I'll most likely stick to? (Give yourself set days)