Do you want to start a fitness journey but you’re not sure how? You’ve come to the right place! Fitness journeys come in all shapes and sizes, and while they may seem intimidating, we can get through it!
Find Your Flavor
The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of “fitness” your fitness journey will entail. Narrow it down to three choices. Consider things like interest, time commitment, cost, and accessibility. If you don’t have access to a pool or body of water, maybe swimming isn’t a good fit. But if your old bike has been collecting dust in the garage, it might be time to pump the tires and takes it for a spin to see if it resonates.
Try Things Out
When you’re deciding what kind of fitness you like, it’s a great time to take advantage of trial and free classes and training sessions in your area. Most gyms (standard and boutique) offer some kind of trial class or free week for you to try things on for size. It’s a wonderful way to see if Pilates is right for you, if yoga really does bring you zen, or if boot camp lights your soul on fire.
Load Up Your Tool Belt
When you are taking on a new sport or physical activity, it’s imperative to have the right equipment (tools) to be successful. Maybe it’s new running shoes, fitted for your feet and gait. Or perhaps you need goggles and a swim cap for laps. Barre calls for special grippy socks, and cycling requires a helmet and a good tire repair kit. To start, you don’t need the best and most of everything, but you also don’t want to hamper your success by being ill-equipped.
Plan For Accountability
Now that you’ve chosen your activity and suited up, it’s time to devise a plan to stay accountable. Look for running or cycling groups, join an online support group for your sport or activity, or ask a friend to check in with you. Fitness journeys can be incredible, but only if you keep up with them. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who want you to succeed in your efforts will be invaluable going forward.
Set Your Goals
Now is the time to set the goals for your new fitness journey! There are no rules! Pick goals that make sense to you. Consider making realistic objectives that push the limits of your comfort zone, but that aren’t so out of reach you end up frustrated and discouraged. Goals are a moving target, and when you achieve one, you can create more! Having an aim in sight can help keep that fitness journey on track!
How did you get started with your fitness journey? What kept you going? Any tips you would add?
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the best exercise plan is the one you actually enjoy doing. Great advice to try out different classes and activities
great tips…
find your tribe… can’t do it alone!!
Important advice to try different things and find what suits you and that you can be consistent with. I always want to add the importance of making fitness activities a habit, points in your weekly schedule and not count on motivation, because motivation fades.
My sister inspired me many years ago to start strength training but I couldn’t continue doing it because of life and work (long story). Then last year my husband found this PT/personal trainer and thought I should give it a try. I started there in Feb 2022 and soon realised how good it made me feel both physically and mentally. Later in the year I started seeing the visible results and that triggered a huge interest in fitness and in doing more and with more ambition. Fitness became a lifestyle and I’ll never look back!
Susanne recently posted…Running or not… that’s the question
Yes to all of these! So important to find what you enjoy and people to do it with. When people ask how I can run so much and say that they hate it, I ask “what do you love to do? dance, bike, swim, lift? Then do that!”
These are all great tips. As I was reading it I thought of my daughter- she doesn’t do any exercise, kind of wants to get into it, can’t find anything she likes… sigh. Maybe i”ll have her read your article! She would probably rather hear it from someone other than me.
Jenny recently posted…Eating, Reading, and… I Chose a Race!
All great tips – especially to try out different things. It’s much easier to commit to something you enjoy.
All great tips – especially to try out different things. It’s much easier to commit to something you enjoy.
Such great tips and I especially like the points about accountability and goals – that for me is what takes it to the level of consistency and discipline needed for any fitness activity!
Accountability makes a huge difference.