Jumpstart Your Fitness Journey: A Guide for Non-Workout Enthusiasts
Are you struggling to get in shape and can’t seem to get started? Establishing new habits can be tough, but a fitness routine is crucial and offers countless benefits both in the short and long term. Whether you’ve had trouble sticking with workouts before, or you’re just starting out, these tips can help you build a lasting fitness habit:
### Step 1: Get Your Mindset Right
Why do you want to work out? Are you doing it just to tick it off your list or because someone else expects you to? You’re more likely to succeed if you have a genuine desire to reach your fitness goals. If you’re not fully convinced the benefits are worth the effort, you’ll struggle to stay committed. Spend some time understanding the benefits of fitness, and visualize how working out can improve your life. It’s often motivation, not discipline, that we lack. Remember, exercise doesn’t just help with weight control – it boosts your mood, sleep, energy levels, and overall appearance.
### Step 2: Schedule Your Workouts
Treat your workout like any other important appointment. Find a specific time in your day when you’re least likely to have distractions. Avoid times when you typically hang out with friends or watch your favorite TV shows. If you don’t think a workout is important enough to fit into your schedule, you may need to rethink your motivations.
### Step 3: Start Small
If you’re not used to working out, don’t expect to wake up at 6 AM and run a mile every morning. This can feel overwhelming. Instead, set a small, manageable goal to begin with. Try just 5 minutes a day. The key is to avoid overwhelming yourself and to condition your mind to accept exercise as a regular part of your day. You can start with light activities like walking or swimming for a few minutes. Even incorporating more movement into your day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can help. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
### Step 4: Track Your Progress
Keeping a workout log can help you see your progress over time. This can be very motivating. Even if you miss a day, looking back at your progress can show you how far you’ve come. On days when you’re disappointed, having a record can help you see that you’re improving bit by bit. If you’re falling short of your goals, tracking can help you pinpoint where to improve. Keep it simple – jot down the date, time, duration, and type of workout. Doing this right after each workout ensures you won’t forget.
### Step 5: Get Accountability
It might feel awkward to involve other people, especially if you’ve struggled with fitness goals before. But having support can make a big difference. Positive reinforcement from friends or family can keep you motivated. Studies show that people are more successful in changing habits when they have others to support them. Encouragement or even the friendly disappointment of others can push you to stick with your workouts, especially in the beginning when it’s hardest.
### Step 6: Make it a Routine
At the beginning, the most important thing is to make working out a daily habit. The quality and length of your workouts matter less than the consistency. Getting started can be the hardest part, so don’t worry too much about having a perfect routine at first. Avoid overly complicated or strenuous plans. Instead, focus on making exercise a non-negotiable part of your day so it becomes second nature over time.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making fitness a regular part of your life.
