I understand that starting on a fitness journey can be both exciting and daunting. With so many options and advice available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
For some, they have been thinking about joining our facility for YEARS before finally deciding to join.
These people have stalked our website and social media. Perhaps they joined a less expensive gym. They may have even met us for a complimentary intro, however they still decided not to join at that time.
Within this article, I’ll guide you through the essential steps to start an exercise program. This will ensure a smooth and successful beginning to your new active lifestyle.
1. Set realistic goals
Before you jump into an exercise routine, take a moment to define your fitness goals. Are you looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health?
Setting clear, achievable, and measurable goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your journey.
2. Consult a healthcare professional
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you may choose to consult your doctor or a healthcare professional before starting a fitness program.
One caveat, you may not want to take advice on how to exercise from someone who cannot follow their own advice.
3. Choose an activity you enjoy
One of the keys to sticking with an exercise program is finding an activity you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s swimming, dancing, cycling, or weightlifting, choose something that excites you and makes you look forward to working out. You’re more likely to stay consistent if you’re having fun.
4. Start slow and steady
Don’t feel pressured to jump into intense workouts right away. Start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your fitness level improves. This approach will help you avoid injury and minimize the risk of burnout.
5. Schedule your workouts
Treat exercise as a non-negotiable appointment by scheduling your workouts into your weekly routine. Prioritizing your fitness sessions will help you stay consistent and make exercise a habit.
6. Warm-up and cool-down
Warming up before a workout increases blood flow to your muscles and prepares your body for physical activity, reducing the risk of injury.
Similarly, cooling down after exercise helps your body gradually return to its resting state and aids in recovery. Include dynamic stretches in your warm-up and static stretches in your cool-down to improve flexibility and prevent soreness.
7. Track your progress
Regularly tracking your progress will help you stay motivated and allow you to make necessary adjustments to your exercise program. Keep a workout journal or use fitness apps to monitor your performance, duration, and intensity of workouts.
8. Listen to your body
It’s essential to pay attention to your body’s signals. If you feel pain or excessive fatigue, give yourself time to rest and recover. Over-training can lead to injuries and hinder your progress in the long run.
9. Stay accountable
Having an accountability partner or joining a workout group can help you stay on track with your fitness goals. Sharing your journey with others provides support, encouragement, and motivation to keep pushing forward.
10. Be patient and persistent
Results won’t come overnight, so be patient and stay committed to your exercise program. Embrace the process, celebrate small victories, and remember that consistency is key to long-term success.
Ignore the “overnight success” stories you see on social media. Those are made with camera filters and lots of hard work they aren’t sharing with you.
Those people know that you will be more likely to buy their program if it’s “easy.”
Starting an exercise program may seem intimidating, but with the right approach, it’s a rewarding and transformational journey. By setting realistic goals, choosing enjoyable activities, and remaining patient, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Stay consistent, and you’ll soon reap the benefits of your hard work.
Dr. Brian Strump is a chiropractor and owner of Live Active Charlotte, a CrossFit/functional fitness gym located in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte.
If you’re interested in making a change in your health or simply have questions, you can learn more about Brian and his staff by visiting: liveactiveclt.com
