Starting a sustainable workout routine is one of the best steps you can take to secure a healthy lifestyle. If you’re ready to begin your fitness journey and become the best version of yourself, this article is for you.
Define Your Fitness Objectives
While aspiring to have the figure of your favorite fitness influencer is perfectly normal, making it your primary goal is not ideal. Before starting this endeavor, define why you want to exercise. Is it to lose weight or gain muscles? Do you have a health concern you want to manage? Do you want to improve your endurance? Knowing what motivates you and why you’re starting this journey will help you get back on track whenever you want to quit.
Learn Your Exercise Options
From strength training, cycling, and swimming to running and jogging, there are various exercises you can choose from. If you don’t have a specific activity in mind, it is best to try multiple exercises until you find the one that suits your lifestyle and personality. If you reside in San Francisco and want to try yoga, do a quick online search using keywords like San Francisco Yoga to help narrow your studio choices.
Pace Yourself
As a newbie in the fitness world, it is essential that you start slow and be mindful of your pace. No matter how committed you are, working out tirelessly can lead to burnout and fatigue. Know your limits and always listen to your body, as it needs time to adapt to this transformative period. Instead of concentrating on intensity of your workouts, focus more on your improvements. Plan your rest days deliberately, and avoid pushing your body if you feel discomfort or pain.
Be Consistent
Many individuals tend to quit their fitness journey when they don’t see any significant changes. Consistency is integral to achieving your fitness goals. Rather than working out irregularly, focus on developing a regular exercise routine. Doing intense workouts at sporadic intervals is inefficient and might not yield sustainable results.
Start with low-intensity workouts, then gradually increase the intensity and intervals. Remain consistent with your exercise schedule, even during challenging days. A consistent and progressive fitness approach can help make your fitness routine more productive.
Seek Support and Help
Starting a fitness journey can be more fruitful with proper support and guidance. Surround yourself with positive individuals and find an exercise buddy who will hold you accountable for your fitness goals. They can also inspire you to move on lazy days or when you feel like throwing the towel. If you have no one in your social circle, consider befriending a classmate in your group classes or search for online pages or communities dedicated to fitness.
Aside from finding your support people, consult with your doctors before beginning this endeavor. Do a complete physical examination to ensure you’re fit to exercise. If you have existing health or medical conditions, ask your doctor which exercises are suitable for your situation.
Warm Up and Cool Down
Warming up before a workout and cooling down afterward are two vital tasks often overlooked by many. Warming up can decrease your injury risk and help improve your performance. Your heart rate also increases when you warm up, ensuring more oxygen in your muscles. Warming up can also boost your flexibility since the connection between your muscles and nerves is activated.
Alternatively, cooling down enables your heart rate to return to its normal state pre-workout. It can also prevent muscle stiffness, cramps, and injuries, such as muscle strains. Some effective ways to cool down after a workout include walking slowly, deep breathing exercises, and gentle stretches.
Celebrate Your Progress
Celebrating your wins, big and small, can help keep you motivated in your fitness journey. Reflect on your past self, pre-exercise, and compare the difference with your current physical health. Acknowledge your hard work and learn to let go of your fitness mistakes. Positively recognizing your efforts can fuel you to move forward and work harder.
Endnote
Fitness is an evolving process that can help shape your future. With these essential tips, unwavering dedication, the necessary guidance, and the right mindset, embarking on a fitness journey as a beginner doesn’t need to be intimidating.