Embarking on a fitness journey can be both exciting and challenging. It might be you are looking to gain muscle, lose weight or overall health improvement. Whatever your reason is for starting, know that starting is the first and probably hardest step.
Make it easier on yourself from the beginning. It will be challenging but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Set Clear Goals – Define the reason to why you are starting your fitness journey and what your goal is. A goal will help you plan what specific actions you need to take to start your journey.
Consult a Professional – Before beginning any new workout program, it’s a good idea to consult a fitness professional or healthcare provider. They can help you determine a safe and effective plan based on your current fitness level and any medical considerations.
Start Slow – Start with low intensity workouts and progress to more intense ones over time. Starting with low intensity will be super important in injury prevention. Challenge yourself once you get established and comfortable and keep challenging yourself.
Choose Favourite Activities – If you don’t like a activity it’s pretty fair to say you probably are not going to do them. Try new things to see if something sparks your interest. Consistency is key.
Create a Routine – You will want a balanced routine. A balanced routine will include a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training and flexibility. If unsure where to start consult a fitness professional to help.
Warm-Up and CoolDown – I will be the first to admit I am not good with cooldowns and stretching. Something I need to work on especially since its super important. For injury prevention you will want at least a 5 minute workout to warm up your body. On the flip side a cooldown is just as important as a warmup. You are going to want to cooldown to help with body recovery.
Set a Schedule – This is going to be super important. There are times where you are not going to feel like doing anything, some days it’s okay. We all have our days. If this however progresses more than 2 days, it will be harder to get back on track. Setting a schedule will keep with consistency and consistency will help with creating your workout a habit.
Food and Drink – Proper hydration and nutrition play a crucial role in your fitness journey. Drink water before, during, and after your workouts, and fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Start slow if you need to make bigger diet changes. Thinking you need strict eating right away can increase the odds of you falling back into old eating habits.
Rest and Recovery – super important! Your body needs ample time to rest and recover. Not doing so, will lead to overtraining which then turns to burnout. Many of us have been there, where we keep pushing thinking we don’t need a rest day, then when we finally take one, that turns into a 2 week rest day. You burned yourself out my friends! So make sure you are taking enough rest days. I currently have 2 a week and I find that’s perfect for me. A little trial and error will help you find your sweet spot.
Stay Motivated – Motivation can be challenging to maintain, but it’s essential for long-term success. Set small milestones, reward yourself for achievements, and find a workout buddy or join a fitness community for support. Do whatever you need to do to keep yourself motivated.
Starting a workout routine is well worth the investment in your health and well-being. Remember that progress takes time, and consistency is the key to achieving your fitness goals. If at anytime you feel overwhelmed or unsure, alway look to see who you can reach out to for help.
Be kind to yourself.
The Love Yourself Diary 