If you’re just starting out on a fitness program, it can be difficult to know where to start. And, if you’re new to working out, figuring out the best way to start can be a bit overwhelming, and there’s so much information out there, it’s hard to know what the best way to begin is. Here’s some fitness tips for beginners, that may help you get started on an effective exercise plan.
It’s important to have a basic idea of what you want to accomplish, then build a plan around those goals. Keep in mind that the most important thing, is to stick with a workout plan. If you find that plan isn’t working for you, don’t give up on your workouts – just change your plan. Your body is going to change as you workout, and what was originally difficult, will become easier. And when that happens, you’re going to have to change things up anyway. So, don’t worry about having a perfect plan. Just have a basic one, and tweak it as you go along. Finally, it’s always good to talk with your doctor about your plan, just to make sure there’s nothing about your plan that might cause you any issues.
Fitness Tips – Tip #1: Define Your Goals Identify what you want to accomplish, why you want to accomplish that goal, and how are you going to accomplish it. Doing so helps you to not only discover the best ways to achieve your goals, but also stay motivated beyond “just doing another workout.”
Fitness Tips – Tip #2: Be Consistent Consistency is more important when starting out, then the intensity of your workouts. If you knock yourself out on Monday’s workout, but don’t workout for another week, you’ll accomplish far less than 3 medium intensity workouts during that same week. You’ll avoid burnout, while decreasing the odds of injury.
Fitness Tips – Tip #3: Start Light – And Add More Later This holds true in many ways. If you start with three 30 minute workouts per week for the first few weeks, then add days / time to your workouts as things get easier, it’s more likely you’ll make your workouts an enjoyable habit, rather than something you want to avoid. Starting a cardio or strength training program with lower intensity, and weights with lighter weights, allow you to concentrate on doing things properly, rather than just beating yourself up.
Fitness Tips – Tip #4: Do Things You Like If you hate running, but love cycling, then using an exercise bike, rather than a treadmill for your cardio workouts, means it’s more likely you’ll look forward to your workouts, and work harder during your workouts.
Fitness Tips – Tip #5: Start Slow and Take Breaks Your body isn’t used to what your asking it to do, during those first few weeks of working out. Pushing yourself too hard can result in injury, which can stall (or totally kill!) your motivation. Starting slow, with realistic goals, is a better way to progress. Mastering fundamental movements, and learning the basis when your starting out is more important that trying something “fancy”. As you progress, adding different, more challenging things to your workout may make sense, but try to “walk before you run.”
Fitness Tips – Tip #6: Accept That There Will Be Setbacks Even professional athletes have setbacks and plateaus during their exercise programs. Be patient – each day is a new chance to workout, and each workout will be different than the last. Be persistent, and keep moving forward. And if something isn’t working, find a different exercise ant try it. Experiment, rather than giving up out of frustration.
Fitness Tips – Tip #7: Focus On The Feelings Yes, measuring how your clothes fit, checking your weight, keeping track of your progress – these are important parts of your exercise plan. But, also focus on how you feel. Enjoy your post-workout high! Fitness is a long-term project. But your feelings are happening right now – so, if you’re feeling good after your workout, tap into that feeling! Remember how good you felt, the next time you want to miss a workout!
And, if your workout plan requires quality, effective exercise equipment, stop into any of Fitness 4 Home Superstore’s three Phoenix-area locations today!
