5 Ways To Get Started With A New Fitness Program
Raise your hand if one of your goals this year is to get fit, or exercise more, or lose a few pounds, or just feel better? It’s a common theme and although we know it’s important, for most people, the hardest part is just getting started. Here is a blog post I wrote with 5 ways on how to get started with a new fitness program.
1. Find Something You Like
There are so many options for exercise, even for us over 50. Since the pandemic many of these are even online! Yay, we can workout in our PJs and we don’t have to drive to the stinky gym!
People always ask me what type of exercise is best and YES I always say strength training but if you hate it, there is no reason to force yourself to do it (yet). It will just make it harder to stick with and that’s not the goal here.
When you’re starting out, find a movement that you LOVE. Get moving and then as you feel better try new activities and soon you’ll be asking me for ways you can lift those weights 😁
2. Work with the time you’ve got
I used to think a workout had to be a long sweaty hour for you to meet your fitness goals but, to my great delight, I know first hand that is not true
You need to find a routine that fits your schedule. I swear by my 30 minute workouts (60 of them now!) and my members agree. 30 minutes seems to be the sweet spot.
But there will be those days when even 30 minutes seems daunting. This is when I recommend you sneak in just 5 minutes. Shorter workouts or even a quick walk is much better than nothing. Research has also found that “exercise snacks” or shorter workouts can help you exercise more consistently.
I happen to have several 5 Minute Workouts on my YouTube Challenge. You can try one today HERE
3. Start with where you’re at today
If you’re new to exercise, listen to your body and make sure you ease into any new program. Trying Pilates or lifting heavy weights as a beginner will leave you not only feeling defeated, you might even hurt yourself.
Instead of jumping into an intense routine, work at a level that’s manageable for you, and give your body time to learn new movement patterns. I strongly feel that if you take a slow approach that includes rest days and movement such as balance and posture, you’re more likely to be consistent with your routine and less likely to injure yourself.
This may be tough for those former athletes or Type As (you know who you are!) but trust me, it will help you make progress in the long run.
4. Start with the Basics
It’s OK if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the workout options out there or you’re not ready to commit to a fitness membership. There are other ways to get an effective workout.
As I said above, you don’t have to drive 30 minutes to make that hour long class at the gym. Increasing your daily activities like walking your dog, going up and down stairs, cleaning the house, and playing with your kids all count as exercise.
My favorite place to start new members is WALKING! Walking is the best way to build your body up without being overwhelming or complicated. All you need is a good pair of shoes and a place to walk. Here is my Basics Walk 3 Month Program overview if you’d like some help.
5. Find An Accountability Buddy
When beginning a fitness journey, it’s crucial to have a strong support system. You’re already fighting an uphill battle so having an accountability partner can be invaluable on those days that you lack motivation.
Whether it’s a friend, a gym partner, a personal trainer, spouse, coworker, or an online group, it’s helpful to have somebody you can exchange challenges and accomplishments with at the end of the day.
This might be someone who walks with you or carpools with you to a group class. Or it can be an online community like the Be Healthy Enough Digital Fitness Studio. Whichever you choose, these partners can give you that extra boost when you need it.
If you’d like some help with your health or fitness journey why not schedule a FREE 30 Minute Wellness Consultation with me. I’d love to help in any way that I can. Click the book now link below and find a time that works for you
If you’re a woman over 50 and you’d like to get moving and feel better you should try one of my online workout programs designed just for us; low impact cardio to protect our joints, strength training because it’s a must as we age, Pilates because a strong core = a strong body and more.
If you’d like to learn try any of my over 450 workouts designed for us over 50 click HERE
