Are you wondering how to start an exercise program? There’s so much information out there that just choosing the right plan can be overwhelming. You’re off to a good start by learning some methods to figure out what’s right for you. You want to get in shape, but you’re not sure how to begin. Don’t get discouraged because just having an interest in bettering your fitness has you on the right track!
It’s really easy to put on some unwanted extra pounds. Busy schedules, easy access to fast food, and sugary drinks all contribute to putting on that weight. The pounds keep coming if we don’t make time to get in some physical activity. When you aren’t moving around enough, this issue becomes exacerbated. Then come the questions, “how do I start?” and “where do I begin?” As always with something new related to your health, you should consult your doctor to make sure it’s okay to begin an exercise routine. Once you’re good to go – use these tips to get started.
Consciously Decide to Start an Exercise Program and Healthy Eating
If you make the decision to commit to your health, you will be more likely to succeed. Once you tell yourself that you’re ready to begin, you will start the process of changing. Think about what has stopped you in the past then make yourself move forward. Ask yourself questions that will help you start developing a plan such as, “What are my goals?”, “What foods do I need to avoid?”, “When and where can I work out?”, and whatever else that’s important to you. When the idea solidifies in your mind, you will realize that this commitment is going to get you healthy. You will continue to improve yourself, and you will get fitter!
Some helpful articles:
- Healthy Food for Weight Loss: 7 Easy Ways to Start Your Day
- Healthy Eating Tips: 10 Ways to Change Your Life
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Is My Workout Good Enough?
Know Your Schedule
Create a calendar or write down a list of your daily activities. Make this be as exhaustive as you can. Include your wake-up time, work schedule, extracurricular activities, bedtime, and anything else you do throughout the week. This will give you a great understanding of when you can add an exercise routine into your days/weeks. If you have 30 extra minutes every morning, then this could be a good time to start your workout. If you are off on weekends, then you could have these be exercise days.
It’s ultimately what works best for you. Start small and don’t overdo it. Not many people have an extra 4 hours to throw around to spend at the gym, so begin a routine that’s only 20-30 minutes. Once you gain some experience, you can add time or workout more often. Whatever is going to fit into your life is what will benefit you the most.
Do Your Research
Even though the amount of information out there is overwhelming, you have to start somewhere. Start researching some exercise programs that sound interesting to you. Once you start learning about fitness, health, and wellness you can narrow down what will work and what you’ll enjoy doing. Like before, start small and easy. You can progress your difficulty when you are used to working out and eating better.
Read up using the internet, exercise books, or you can even hire a personal trainer. If you have the extra cash, one session can do wonders! A fitness routine and diet plan could be created for you, and that will take all of that work out of the equation. If you want to develop your own routine, then you can find all the information you need on the internet.
Here are some articles that can help you get started:
- 20 Minute Home Work Out – Get Shredded Fast 2020
- How to Lose Weight the Healthy Way – Guide for Beginners
Start an Exercise Program with SMART Goals
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time-Bound
Start with a simple goal that follows the SMART format. This will ensure that you are successful. An example of this is, “I want to lose 5 pounds in the next month from diet and exercise.” This is a specific goal that you can reach with the right diet and exercise program (obtained from your research). It’s measurable – because you will weight yourself to hit the 5-pound mark. Your goal is attainable because you have created an action-plan – exercise and eat better. It’s realistic, you have the ability to lose 5 pounds in a month. Now, if your goal was to lose 100 pounds in a month, that wouldn’t be very realistic or attainable. Finally, the new plan is time-bound. When you give yourself a time limit, you’re more likely to stay focused and succeed.
Follow Through with Your Plan
You did your research, found an exercise routine, and even decided to cut a few things from your diet (*cough* – pop/soda). Now all you have to do is do it! After all of the initial preparation, scheduling decisions, and workout planning – it’s finally time to start moving. Possibly the hardest step, this one will get you feeling and looking great. Keep yourself motivated and tell yourself that you’re doing this for a reason. You committed to better health, so it’s time to reap the rewards!