Passion projects are all the rage right now. We started with making banana bread, switched to taking care of plants, and now we are on the personal fitness journey. More and more people are taking this time for some self-improvement.
The challenge is getting people to start. It is human nature to fear doing something quite unknown to us. All the images of ripped people sweating and lifting heavy weights can be quite intimidating for those who don’t have a background in fitness or even physical activities.
What’s baffling is that the one thing stopping most people in getting started is the idea that working out is complicated and can only be done by certain people.
Set realistic expectations
Long-term goals are great. For beginners with no actual workout experience, however, it starts with knowing what your body can and cannot do.
It is always easier and safer if you work out with coaches and licensed medical practitioners, but those with limited capacity can still proceed with caution.
Setting expectations also includes creating a list of achievable goals for yourself. Your list should not be a list of things you only expect to fail at. Mix long-term goals with short-term goals. Keep challenging yourself, but also celebrate your little victories. These are important to keep you committed to your journey.
Design your personal fitness plan
Thinking about starting a fitness routine is easy, but taking the first step is difficult. With all the advice you find online, here are some of the recommendations that can guide you through your first steps.
• What is the goal? Is it weight loss or bulking up? Is there an occasion or event in the future that you want to prepare for? If you set clear and realistic fitness goals, it will be easier for you to commit to a routine and get started.
• Start slowly and work your way up. If you are just starting your fitness journey, remember not to overdo it. Avoid creating unpleasant scenarios where you feel demotivated because of an overly intense workout or worse, a workout that caused an injury. Should you have any questions or perhaps limitations due to medical conditions, please consult with your doctor or an exercise professional to avoid injury.
• Track your progress and document your workouts. A written plan will allow you to evaluate the fitness routine and allow for any modifications. It will also allow you to see improvements and celebrate your achievements.
• Try different things. Different activities and varied workout modalities will enhance your workout, as well as keep your workouts new and exciting.
• Rest and recover. Many people start their fitness routine and go overboard, working out too long or too intensely. Rest between workout sessions and allow your body to recover. Recovery periods will prevent you from overtraining and will help to keep you from injuries.
Taking the first step toward a health and fitness routine is the most difficult part, but committing to a healthier lifestyle and working toward your personal fitness goals is more beneficial. A healthy lifestyle is not only a gateway to a fitter physical appearance, but it will also improve your mental health.
Be kind to yourself
Results of your plans may vary depending on different factors. The reason people in the industry always recommend working with professionals is to avoid making the mistake of giving up because you don’t fully understand why you can’t achieve certain goals. Science comes to play when it comes to determining changes in your body, and it is important to go to the right and licensed people for this.
Results may also vary from person to person. Do not expect to see the changes you want to see overnight. Setting this mindset is harmful. Understand that your body will have to go through a series of changes and sometimes, it is difficult to see these changes because of how focused we are on what we see instead of how we feel. Your workouts might not shed your inches yet or bulk up your biceps, but they might have already strengthened your arms and your endurance. These little changes are hard to spot sometimes, so remember that you have worked hard and you just need time and adjustment.
I am an advocate for simplifying working out for everyone. Everyone has a right to be healthy and fit, and nothing should stop them from doing so. If you are waiting for a sign to get started, this is it!—CONTRIBUTED INQ