Patricia
Did you know that at least 80% of all heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes—and up to 40% of cancer—could be prevented with better diets and engagement in more physical activity? It is alarming numbers like these that inspire many people to start a fitness journey.
Getting fit and living a healthier lifestyle may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools, you will be on your way to being the best version of yourself. This is how to get started on your journey.
Find Your “Why”
The first step to beginning a fitness journey is determining why you are starting it in the first place. Finding this reason will help you stay motivated when you need some extra motivation or don’t feel like sticking to your plan.
Maybe you want to improve your overall health. Maybe you want to slim down a bit. Maybe you want to have more energy throughout the day.
Write down your “why” so you can access it and remind yourself of what you are working for. Ultimately, you should be on your fitness journey for yourself, not others.
Set Your Goals
Once you have your “why,” you should focus on setting a few realistic goals that you can aim for. It is important to set goals that are realistic and achievable. Don’t set a goal that is unrealistic or unsafe.
Your goals can be both mental and physical. You could have a goal of going down one pant size or being able to perform a certain amount of pull-ups. You could also have a goal to gain more confidence or to think more positively about your body.
Remember that most goals aren’t met overnight. It will take a lot of hard work, but you will see small changes over time that will get you one step closer to achieving your goals.
Create a Simple Routine
With your goals in place, it is time to build a fitness routine. Your fitness routine is the exercises that you will do over the course of a week. First, determine how many days a week you want to exercise.
Then, you will want to decide whether or not you want to prioritize strength training or cardio. Ideally, your routine will have a mix of both, but start with whatever sounds most appealing to you.
The simpler the better. Start by carving out 30 minutes of time 5 days a week to dedicate to exercise. Write your exercises down on your calendar and hold yourself to them.
Decide Where You’ll Work Out
Next, you will want to decide on your ideal spot to work out. Are you a fan of home workouts or would you rather hit the gym? Some people prefer the comfort of their own home, while others need to go to a gym to hold themselves accountable.
If you decide to work out at home, you may want to pick up a few home gym essentials. Consider buying a few free weights, a yoga mat, or even a treadmill. You don’t need much to create a great space to work out.
Start Slow
Working out doesn’t have to be incredibly hard every time you do it. Many people believe that you haven’t had a good workout unless you are covered in sweat and out of breath. This could not be further from the truth.
Any form of movement is good movement. Whether you are going for a 5-mile run, taking an intense HIIT class, going for a short walk, or practicing yoga, you should be proud of yourself for including movement in your day. Some days will be more intense than others, and that is okay.
Also, it is important not to get into an “all or nothing” mindset. Some people skip one workout and then completely give up. If you miss a workout, just enjoy your day off and start again tomorrow.
Don’t Forget Your Diet
Many people start working out without adjusting their diet and feel frustrated when they don’t see any progress. The truth is, it is hard to see physical changes if you aren’t eating well.
It is essential to educate yourself on eating healthy and knowing how to fuel your body. If you aren’t sure where to start, programs such as Absofitly Weight Loss & Wellness can help you get started. Never be ashamed to ask for help!
A great rule-of-thumb is to practice the 80/20 diet. The 80/20 diet is where you eat healthy 80% of the time and eat whatever you want the other 20%. This allows you to maintain a healthy balance and avoid restricting your food or developing other issues surrounding eating.
The Scale Is Not Everything
Just because the number on the scale does not change immediately, doesn’t mean that you are not making progress! Oftentimes, you will be able to notice other changes before your actual weight starts to change. You may notice that your closes are fitting better or your face is thinning out.
Other non-scale victories include getting stronger, better posture, more confidence, sleeping better, and workouts getting easier. Although scale victories are nice, these other accomplishments are also incredible and oftentimes more long-lasting.
It is also important to remember that weight fluctuates often, especially in women. Women on a cycle often lose and gain water weight from week to week, which can influence the number on the scale. This is why following your weight closely may not be the most accurate representation of how fit you are becoming.
Get Started on Your Fitness Journey Today
With all of these helpful tips and tricks, you are ready to start your fitness journey! Remember to stay positive and don’t let one misstep derail all of your goals. The first step is just getting started, and you are well on your way!
If you enjoyed this content, then feel free to check out the rest of our blog for more helpful health and fitness tips.
