The health benefits of exercise—both mental and physical—are well documented. But did you know that NOT working out can also cause stress? Research has found that many people feel stressed out by not being able to work out because they can’t find the time, don’t have the strength, or just don’t know where to start.
If this sounds like you, and you’re ready to start your fitness journey but are feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. This article will help get you on track to figure out what works for you and to get moving.
Start Small
It might be tempting to jump right in, going full bore on the treadmill or Stairmaster or trying to lift extremely heavy weights at the gym, but try to resist doing this. If you jump into extreme exercise too quickly, you could injure yourself or burn out quickly. Make small changes and as you become more fit, you can increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.
Set Goals
Figure out what you want to achieve from your fitness routine and write it down. Whether it’s weight loss, building muscle, increasing endurance, or running faster, you should establish achievable goals. Just like your routine, start small with your goals.
If you set a goal of losing 100 pounds, you might quickly become discouraged, as weight loss takes time. Instead, consider setting smaller goals, such as 10 or 15 pounds, and reward yourself each time you meet one of these small goals. Over time, these small achievements will result in big changes.
Keep these goals where you can access them easily, as some days you’ll need them for workout motivation.
Plan Your Workouts
One of the most common fitness tips experts have is to schedule your workouts. Figure out what time works best for you and stick with it. If you’re not a morning person, you’re most likely not suddenly going to start waking up for 5:00 a.m. workouts. Similarly, if you know that if you wait until after work to exercise you’ll likely talk yourself out of it, go early and get it out of the way.
Figure Out What Works and What You Enjoy
There are so many options out there. From group training to Crossfit to personal training to working out alone at home or at a gym, the sheer number of options may overwhelm you. Many gyms offer a free week or free first class that you can use to see if you like the workout.
Don’t be afraid of trying different exercise routines and classes to figure out what works for you and what you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy the workout, the chances that you’ll establish a consistent routine are low.
Ready to Start a Fitness Journey?
There’s no time like the present to start a fitness journey. Instead of waiting until Monday, or after the holidays, or the beginning of the month, start today. The sooner you start, the quicker you’ll see results.
If you’re ready to get back to the gym, check out our membership options and stop in today to see our facility.