Starting a fitness journey can be a daunting task.
You’ve heard all the benefits, which include maintaining a healthy weight, preventing heart disease, and building and maintaining muscle mass and function, but you just don’t know where to start.
Or maybe you’ve been working out for a while and aren’t seeing any results. The scale stays the same, and you have no idea what equipment you should buy. Given the option, you take Netflix and chill every time.
Don’t worry; you’re not alone.
This beginner’s guide will teach you everything you need to know about getting fit.
We’ll cover topics like picking the right workout plan, how long to work out each day, what equipment is needed, and more. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to stay motivated throughout your fitness journey. So whether you’re just starting or looking for new ideas, keep reading for all the information you need to achieve your fitness goals!
Table of Contents
Find the Right Plan
There are a few things you need to consider when it comes to getting fit. First and foremost, you need to find a workout plan that is right for you. Whether you prefer the gym, working out at home, or trying new classes at your local studio, there is something out there that will work for your fitness needs.
If you’re new to the fitness world, I suggest you start slow and get your body used to exercise without overdoing it. You will inevitably feel sore after the first few workouts, so make sure you give yourself a chance to heal in between lifting.
I’m personally a big fan of this routine for starting. It involves a full-body workout three times a week with rest days in between. On the active rest days, aim for a few mins of cardio instead of taking a day off altogether. It can be as simple as going for a walk or something more intense like a game of tennis; try to keep moving. Getting the blood flowing to the muscles you worked out the day before can help you recover from soreness sooner.
Find the Right Equipment
Another important aspect of getting fit has the right equipment. While some people prefer free weights or a home gym, others may prefer more high-tech fitness gadgets that track calories burned and heart rate. Whatever type of equipment you choose, ensure it is safe and comfortable for your body.
The nice thing is that you can start this fitness journey without spending a dime. This list of bodyweight exercises can be done at home without any equipment at all.
If you don’t mind spending a couple of bucks, many apps will coach you through an entire workout, with music and motivation included!
As you advance through workouts and start to plateau, you may need to purchase a gym membership or a few weights for your home gym to raise the resistance and get to the next fitness level.
A treadmill is a good place to start if you live in a climate where you can’t walk or run outside all year. If strength training is more up your alley, a set of adjustable dumbbells and a bench can cover enough exercises for a full-body workout.
Find the Right Motivation
Along with the right workout plan and equipment, staying motivated throughout your fitness journey is important. This can sometimes be challenging, but many tips and tricks can help you stay on track. These motivational tips will help on those days you know you should get a workout in, but you’re just not feeling it.
THIS WILL HAPPEN. You will experience slumps and zero-energy days and find many excuses. Don’t get discouraged. This happens to everyone. Take a break if you need it without judging or being too hard on yourself, then start over again tomorrow.
Remember that any exercise is better than no exercise. On days you don’t like hitting your routine, get out for a walk instead of watching TV.
Find the Right Goals
Find the reason you want to start this journey and stick to it. Maybe you want to run a marathon. Maybe you want to feel better and keep up with the kids and grandkids. Maybe you want to look awesome next summer at the pool or the beach.
The right goal is to get you out of bed on a weekend morning to head to a fitness class instead of hitting the snooze button for the fourth time.
When you reach your goal, you won’t care if it takes a month or a year.
So if you’re ready to commit to this journey, follow these simple tips and start working towards your health and fitness goals today! Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, or feel healthier, consistency and effort are key to success.
