Are you looking to start a new fitness journey but not sure how or where to begin? Starting a new exercise routine can seem daunting, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Exercise is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and has numerous physical and mental benefits.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner or have never exercised before, anyone can start incorporating physical activity into their daily life. But how do you start exercising for the first time? How do you build a sustainable exercise routine that works for your body and lifestyle?
Today, we’ll provide you with a beginner’s guide on how to start exercising for the first time. I’m sure by the end of this article, you’ll be feeling motivated and ready to start your fitness journey.
Related Reading: 5 Easy Home Workouts for Beginners
Why Exercise is Important
Let’s start by understanding why exercise is so crucial for our overall well-being. Here are some of the top reasons to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine:
- Improved physical health: Exercise helps to strengthen and tone our muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and improve cardiovascular health. Also, regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
- Mental health benefits: Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, which can boost your mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve cognitive function and help with better sleep.
- Increased energy levels: Regular exercise can increase your energy levels, making you feel more productive and alert throughout the day.
- Better quality of life: By incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, you can improve your overall quality of life and longevity. It can help you live an independent and fulfilling life as you age.
Overall, exercise has numerous benefits for both our physical and mental health, making it an essential part of our lives.
Tips for Starting Your Fitness Journey
Now that we understand the importance of exercise, let’s see how we can start our fitness journey for the first time.
1. Set Realistic Goals
This is the first step towards starting any new endeavor, including exercise. Set achievable and realistic goals that fit your current fitness level and lifestyle. It’s important not to compare yourself with others and set goals that work for you. I saw many people dropping their exercise routine because they set unrealistic goals and couldn’t sustain the intensity. Be kind to yourself and start slowly but consistently.
For Example, start with a goal of walking for 30 minutes three times a week and then gradually increase the duration or intensity. Since you are starting, it’s essential to form a habit first and then build on it.
Read More: 8 Small Steps to Achieve Big Goals
2. Choose Activities You Enjoy
Finding an exercise routine you enjoy is crucial to stick with it in the long run. There are various types of physical activities like running, swimming, cycling, weight training, yoga, and more. Experiment with different activities and see which one you like the most.
Also, don’t think that you have to stick with one specific activity. You can mix things up and keep your routine interesting by trying out different exercises throughout the week. The key is to find something that you genuinely enjoy doing and look forward to.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can join group fitness classes or hire a personal trainer to help you find the right activity for you.
3. Start Slowly
Don’t jump into an intense workout routine right away, especially if you’re new to exercise. Starting slowly and gradually increasing the intensity is crucial to avoid injuries and burnouts. It’s better to start with low-intensity exercises and then work your way up.
Some low-intensity exercises that are great for beginners include walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga. These activities are gentle on the joints and muscles while providing a good cardiovascular workout. When you feel ready, you can gradually add more challenging exercises to your routine.
Start with 20-30 minutes of exercise, three times a week, and then increase the duration or frequency as you progress. You’ll see significant improvements in your fitness level over time.
4. Listen to Your Body
One of the most important aspects of starting an exercise routine is learning to listen to your body. It’s natural to feel some soreness when you’re beginning a new fitness regimen, but don’t push yourself too hard. If you experience any sharp pain or discomfort, take a break and let your body rest.
Be mindful of how your body feels and make adjustments accordingly. Don’t be afraid to modify exercises if they feel too challenging for you. Remember, the goal is to do what feels good for your body, not to push yourself to the point of injury.
5. Find an Accountability Partner
Having someone to hold you accountable can be a great motivation to stick with your exercise routine. Find a friend, family member, or co-worker who also wants to start exercising and do it together. You can both motivate and support each other on your fitness journey.
Alternatively, you can also join online communities or fitness groups where you can find like-minded people who share the same goal as you. These communities are a great way to stay motivated and get support when needed.
6. Celebrate Small Wins
This is perhaps the most important tip for starting your fitness journey. Celebrate all the small wins, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Did you exercise for three days in a row? That’s an achievement! Did you increase your workout duration by 5 minutes? That’s progress! Celebrating these small milestones will keep you motivated and help you stay on track.
Now you may wonder how I can celebrate these small wins. You can treat yourself to a favorite snack, buy new workout clothes, or give yourself some time for self-care. Remember, it’s not about the reward itself, but acknowledging your progress and hard work.
Some Tips That Might Help You Stay on Track
- Keep a workout log or use fitness tracking apps to track your progress.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet for optimal energy levels.
- Don’t compare yourself with others, focus on your journey and progress.
- Get enough rest and recovery time for your body to recharge.
- Reward yourself for reaching bigger goals or milestones.
- Ask for help or advice when needed, don’t be afraid to seek support.
These tips can help you stay consistent and motivated on your fitness journey. Remember, starting is the hardest part, but once you get into a routine, it will become a natural part of your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Starting an exercise routine can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. As you can see, there are many benefits to regular physical activity, and with the tips mentioned above, you can start your fitness journey on the right foot. Stay consistent and be patient with yourself, and you’ll see progress in no time.
Frequently Ask Questions
What’s the best workout to help lose those extra pounds?
A combination of cardiovascular and strength training exercises is ideal for weight loss. This can include activities like running, cycling, swimming, and weightlifting.
Do I need to join a gym to start exercising?
As a beginner, joining a gym is not necessary. You can start with simple exercises like walking, jogging, or bodyweight workouts at home. When you feel ready, you can always join a gym for more variety and equipment.
Can I lose weight by just exercising without changing my diet?
While exercise is crucial for overall health and weight management, it’s not enough on its own. A balanced diet is equally important for achieving weight loss goals.
What should I do if I don’t enjoy exercising?
Try different types of physical activities until you find something that you genuinely enjoy doing. It could be dancing, hiking, or playing sports. Don’t force yourself to do something you hate, as it will be challenging to stick with it.
What are the best exercises to do while sitting at a desk?
Yes, there are many simple exercises that you can do while sitting at your desk, such as leg lifts, shoulder rolls, and desk push-ups. These can help increase blood flow and prevent stiffness from prolonged sitting.
Can I still exercise if I have a chronic illness or injury?
It’s crucial to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have a chronic illness or injury. They can advise on safe and suitable exercises for your condition.
