Tips To Help You Start And Maintain Your Fitness Journey
Learn how to build a workout routine and stick to it
Most people want to start working out, but few are able to maintain this new habit. Not because they lack "motivation", but simply because they lack guidance. So instead of leaving you in the dark, we will give you tips that will help progress much faster and help you maintain this lifestyle.
The first thing most people do wrong is trying to rush into a new habit. We all want results now -- or even yesterday. In order to do that, some people who have never been active before will start exercising 6 days a week. It's okay to be eager to improve, but if you're trying to rush it you'll set yourself up for failure.
Why?
- Your body is not used work out that much and won't be able to recover between each workout.
- Your workout routine won't be sustainable for the long run. Do you see yourself do this routine a year from now?
- You will eventually feel like you're forcing yourself to go to the gym.
Whereas if you start small, 2-3 times a week. You will be excited to go to the gym. Full of energy. Ready to take on every challenge!
Going to the gym can be the hardest part for most beginners. It's very common to see people at the gym not knowing what they're doing. Using a machine that is just in front of them. Spending 10 mins on the treadmill then leave.
Don't get me wrong, it can be fine for some people. But if you want to change your body. To change your life. You will have to get a plan that is aligned with your goal. Know what you will be training, which exercises you will be doing. I'm not telling you to have a perfect plan, I'm just saying you should have a pretty good idea of what you should be doing. Here's a beginner's workout plan guide.
It doesn't matter what your friend is lifting or what the person near you is doing. Come to the gym with a goal and stay focused on it. If you're trying to impress anyone it will lead you nowhere. Sometimes it's subtle, you plan to do a certain workout and then your gym partner starts lifting a weight that you can barely lift. You will try to do the same, but you will end up performing a few reps with poor form.
Do you.
It's important to take some time to look back and your past workouts. What worked? What didn't work? How did you feel with this weight? Was your technique good?
When you start exercising, this won't be one of your priority. However, if you really think about it -- you start working out, you see progress, you keep going. It's a feedback loop. Once you hit a plateau, you can feel demotivated.
You will be able to progress much fast by looking back.
Rest. Recover. Sleep. Whatever you want to call it. It's as important as working out. If you want you want to look and perform at your best, you will need to get some rest. It will help your muscles to grow and will let your central nervous system to get back to its optimal state.
Lack of sleep on the other hand can be detrimental to your fitness journey. Research has shown that we tend to eat more when we're on sleep deprivation. I don't know about you, but when I don't sleep enough I don't feel motivated to do anything.
Get some sleep, your body will thank you.
Here's a training plan for beginners:
Let's recap what we've discussed:
- Start small, you're here for the long run.
- Have a training plan.
- Please leave your ego at the door. If you feel your form is off, decrease the weight and make sure to work on your technique.
- Looking back will help you to avoid mistakes made in the past and progress faster.
- Resting is as important as working out.
If you have any question or simply want to talk about your experience, don't hesitate to comment below. We don't bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin by setting realistic goals and starting small. Aim to exercise 2-3 times a week to build consistency without overwhelming yourself. Gradually increase the frequency and intensity as your fitness level improves.
A training plan provides structure and direction, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what exercises to perform to meet your goals. It helps prevent aimless workouts and maximizes your time and effort at the gym. For guidance, check out this Beginner's Workout Routine Guide.
Reflect on your progress by reviewing past workouts to identify what worked and what didn’t. This can help you adjust your routine and overcome plateaus. Consistently tracking your progress can reignite motivation and keep you focused on your goals.
Leave your ego at the door and focus on your personal goals rather than comparing yourself to others. Listen to your body and prioritize proper form over lifting heavier weights, which can prevent injury and promote sustainable progress.
Beginners often try to do too much too soon, leading to burnout or injury. It's crucial to start small and gradually increase workout intensity. Additionally, having a structured plan and focusing on personal progress rather than others' achievements can prevent common pitfalls.
Use tools like the Gymaholic App to log workouts, track progress, and set goals. Regularly reviewing your performance can help you make informed adjustments to your routine, ensuring continuous improvement.