Getting started on a new fitness journey is often overwhelming. There is so much information out there and as a beginner sifting through it can be difficult and so much of it may not apply to your goals. This is why I would always recommend using a quality trainer to help you get started (even if you aren’t training with a trainer all the time). They can help you get set up based on your schedule, the time you have available, and what your goals are so that you can get the most out of your training sessions.
I do however also recognize that for some people access to a trainer is not something they can do, which is why today I’m going to share with you 5 things that you should know when you get started on a fitness journey. There is so much fitness information out there, but these are some of the best starter tips that will set you up for success.
Tip 1: The Basics Work
One of the biggest things we see on social media these days are fancy workouts or crazy exercises but to be honest with you a lot of things are not necessary and some of them are downright dangerous (especially for beginners). The basic movement patterns we program as trainers include squats, hinging movements (deadlift and bridge variations), lunges, pushing and pulling. This doesn’t mean that you have to do your squats standing on a BOSU ball (in fact this is an advanced movement that most people probably don’t need). When you are starting out choose 1 movement from each of these categories and keep them simple in the beginning. There are so many different exercises out there, but the beauty of it is that you can build on what you need as you grow on your fitness journey.
Tip 2:You Don’t Need To Be in the Gym for Hours On End
I feel like when people start out on a fitness journey they think they need to be in the gym every day of the week for at least an hour or more, but the reality is that it’s not necessary and when your starting out I typically don’t recommend it. You may end up at that point one day in your fitness journey especially if fitness becomes something that you end up loving, but it doesn’t mean you need to start there. Set yourself up for success by choosing 2-3 days a week for 30-60 minutes and build from there as you start to feel the need to. This will help you become more consistent with the habit and hopefully stick with it in the long run.
Tip 3: Fitness Plans Work Best When Combined With Healthy Eating, Quality Sleep, and Stress Management
Making fitness and exercise a part of your regular lifestyle is often an incredible feat for a lot of people, but it truly does work best when it’s combined with healthy eating, quality sleep, and stress management. This doesn’t mean that you need to implement everything all at once to see results but in order to see the best results you will want to combine all aspects of health and fitness. My advice to keep you from getting overwhelmed is to start to bring these things slowly into your life (as opposed to all at once). This will help you build confidence with these habits and keep them front and centre in your life.
Tip 4: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
For a lot of people they walk into a gym and they immediately start comparing themselves to those around them. Although it can be hard not to do this, remember that you have no idea how long the person beside you has been coming to the gym consistently (it could be for years). Like anything, exercise is a skill that you can develop over time. The more time that you spend in the gym, the more you will develop the things that you are practicing. Take your time, focus on the moves that you struggle with, and avoid comparing yourself to anyone else.
Tip 5: If You’re Unsure of Something, Ask
Don’t be afraid to ask. Believe it or not, as fitness professionals we are not going to look at you crazy if you are unsure of something. We will always try to offer help if we see you struggling with something but don’t be afraid to ask if you are unsure. I can’t say this for all fitness facilities but generally, trainers are interested in helping others, and if you are unsure of something they are available to help you out. Plus, these connections can come in handy down the road if you decide you need something more from a trainer.
Starting on a fitness journey is usually more of a battle than maintaining it. While there will be times in your life when it’s hard to maintain your routine, its always better to do something than it is to do nothing and have to start over again. Adjust as you need to but focus on consistency over intensity always.
If you have questions don’t be afraid to reach out!
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