Most people already know the benefits of exercise but the major challenge is that the roadblock people face is finding the motivation to get up and start an exercise regimen they can keep up with and stick to — not just abandon after a few weeks.
Motivation, while initially propelling you, isn’t going to keep you going; commitment is what builds motivation and will make exercise a solid component of your life.
So, what do you need to know before you put on your sneakers and start a workout routine?
Set goals
Before rushing out and signing up for that gym membership, set your goals and what you want to get from your efforts.
Do you want to lose weight, be more active, build strength, learn how to run, increase mobility, or something else? The goals from your workouts can help you learn what will be best for you and what your workouts should look like.
Once you have your goals set, remember to make them realistic. Break them down to more manageable parts. Then, readjust your goals as you reach each milestone. This approach will make your journey more manageable and less overwhelming.
Find something you enjoy
Part of the struggle of exercising is finding something you enjoy and that you want to stick with. In reality, it doesn’t matter what you do in the beginning as long as you’re doing something active.
Don’t be afraid to try a few things to see what you like doing. It can be anything and everything that gets you moving, be it going to the gym for strength training, joining a dance class, or group workouts that push your strength and endurance in quick 30-minute sessions. Finding an activity you love will make your fitness journey more fun and keep you motivated.
Be realistic
A big mistake people make when committing to exercise is trying to do too much. While the motivation might be there in the early stages of this newfound desire to workout, it won’t always be there, and if you are overcommitting, you might find it unrealistic to maintain.
Look at your current schedule and see what you can fit in. At first, you might aim for two home workouts a week that you can fit in before work. You might also want to aim to add an extra 3,000 steps each day. Whatever it is, be realistic about what you can do and then work it into your schedule.
Schedule it
As mentioned above, you need to schedule your workouts for your day. If you treat them as appointments, you can’t miss them, even if you are working out at home. Make a workout part of your day and add it in like you would anything else you need to tackle so you don’t feel tempted to brush it off and not do anything at all.
Shift your mindset
A lot of people approach working out as a chore or as a tool to lose weight. This isn’t going to help you foster a love for exercise or cultivate an ongoing schedule that you want to keep.
Instead, focus on how working out makes you feel. What benefits are you getting? How do you feel once you’ve completed a good workout? Are you getting stronger, feeling better or sleeping well? If you shift your mindset from exercise being a chore to something that improves your life and makes you feel good, then it’s likely you’ll commit to doing more and sticking with it to keep getting the benefits.
Rest days are important
You do not need to do strenuous exercise every single day. In fact, you should avoid doing heavy workouts for more than two consecutive days. The reason is that your body will be fatigued and need to rest, and completely pushing it to its limits will not only wipe you out but be detrimental to your health.
Allowing rest days in your week can allow your body and mind to recover and replenish energy sources while sleeping to avoid injuries associated with overexercising. Remember, rest is just as important as exercise in your fitness journey, and it’s a way to show your body that you care for it.
If you don’t want to be totally at rest, you can commit to active resting. This involves doing activities like light walking, swimming, or yoga. These activities keep you moving, but in a way that doesn’t strain your body.
Start slow
Remember, you’re at the beginning of your fitness journey. It’s crucial to start slowly to allow your body to adapt to the changes and increased physical exertion. Don’t be tempted to compete with others who might be further along in their journey. You’re not in competition with anyone, and taking on too much too soon can be detrimental to your progress.
Exercising has many benefits and can be a great way for you to improve your physical and mental health in one fell swoop. However, as a beginner, knowing what to do, what to avoid, and how to build good habits is vital to help you avoid falling into the trap of doing too much and not being able to stick to your plans. Start slow, find something you love, and allow yourself the opportunity to build good habits. Before you know it, you will automatically be working out instead of forcing yourself.
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.