Starting off your fitness journey is daunting, especially when you do not have anyone to consult. A lot of questions run through your mind at that time in regards to where to start from. There is an endless list of options and approaches to take. Aerobics, conditioning, the use of tools such as free weights and treadmills… the list is never-ending.
Options are great! But, there is a possibility of one getting overwhelmed. However, these are not reasons enough to put off your journey.
To figure out what is right, continue reading through this article. We give you information, which, when turned to actions, will yield positive results.
We’ve mapped out tools and ideas on how to get you started.
1. Understand what fitness means
Most times, fitness is intertwined with weight loss, muscle gain, and maintaining a reasonable Basal Metabolic Index (BMI).
Excess weight means excess fat. And fat is stored energy. All the calories obtained from food are converted to energy units by the body (Watts, 2020). So, to start your fitness journey;
- Eat only enough food. No matter how healthy food is, the body will store excess fat.
- For this to happen, please have a meal plan. Consult a nutritionist if you have to. They will help you count calories in every food.
- Burn more calories than those you consume. This will help you experience the result of fitness exercises quickly.
2. Pick a suitable fitness plan.
Let’s not lie to ourselves, but a gym is not the only way to become fit. In fact, you may not even need countless hours of physical exercise (Sheehan, 2014).
Depending on your body, ability, and other personal reasons such as health, there are numerous plans available from qualified instructors and nutritionists (Watts, 2020: Green & Richard, 2019).
For example, some people are very good at yoga while others prefer pilates. For some, resistance training is the way to go, while for others, it is just simple aerobics a few times a week.
It all stems from what you love doing to have innate motivation. Some people have only a few hours to spare and thus need a plan that fits the timing. There are effective programs that fit everyone’s needs.
3. Get a trainer
If you want to be 100% sure that you are on the right track, get a professional trainer or coach.
According to Green and Richard (2019), an expert is essential, even if you hire them for just a few sessions. They will create a beginners program that will help you deliver tremendous results. They will also help you move from beginner to intermediate.
4. Embrace balance
I know you want results, and fast. But, give yourself some time to start seeing changes.
Understand that you will have some setbacks, but these should not be a reason for you to give up.
For example, it takes time for your body to adjust to a healthy eating regime. Perhaps you can introduce healthy foods slowly. The expert will advise you on how to overcome cravings.
Even if you fall off the wagon, stand back up and continue from where you left.
5. Support is important
Watts (2020) insists that in order to go far into your fitness journey, get a team-mate, a cheerleader, or an accountability partner. A collaboration of this kind will help you proceed even when the journey appears difficult.
Ultimately, always know why you started. Trust the process. Understand that quitting takes you back to where you started. Before you know it, you will be celebrating your victory.
Sources
Green, D., & Richard Mcgill Murphy. (2015). No excuses fitness : the 30-day plan to tone your body and supercharge your health. New York: Hachette Books.
Sheehan, G. (2014). Running & being : the total experience. New York: New York Rodale.
Watts, S. (2020). Jump-Start Your Fitness at Home. Brain & Life, 16(5), 10–11. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nnn.0000718996.65539.23