Whether you are a total beginner or just changing things up, beginning a new fitness routine can be daunting. As with most things, knowledge is power. Read on to learn more about the obstacles and frustration that can come with starting a new workout program – and how to combat them!
Too Much Change – So you want to go all in and change your lifestyle to lose weight or get healthier, that’s a great goal. The thing is, by making too many changes at once, we may be setting ourselves up to fail. Research suggests that success rates are MUCH higher when we start with one new habit or change at a time. Start small, commit to working out 3-5 days a week. Consider enlisting the help of a personal trainer so you can maximize your efforts safely. From there you can get the expert guidance you need, including exercise as well as nutrition.
Not Asking for Help – You may not know where to begin. Or maybe you do, but other challenges present themselves. Lack of motivation. Setbacks. Plateaus and other roadblocks. Life happens, then what? The best answer is, get the support you need and remember our other advice – especially patience and consistency. Don’t be afraid to seek help, the right personal trainer can make all the difference when it comes to get on track and staying the course towards reaching your fitness and health goals.
Expecting Immediate Results – Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to reaching our health and fitness goals. It can take 4-6 weeks to see visible changes in the body. Avoid weighing yourself too often, and opt for positivity and consistency over a defeatist attitude. Whether it’s losing weight, building strength, increasing endurance, or any other goal, it’s going to take time. Celebrate the small wins, and focus on the longterm.
Not Tracking – “What gets measured get managed.” Write your goals down, then break them into steps and track your progress. This can include weight, measurements, and other levels of fitness like max strength on major lifts or running time, depending on your goals. Also consider tracking your food intake, and work with a nutrition expert to help you adjust as needed to properly fuel your body and get your weight where you want it to be.
Skipping the Warm-Up – One of the best ways to avoid injury is to warm-up properly, specifically muscle activating exercises and dynamic stretching to prepare your joints and muscles. The other key to minimizing workout injury is proper form and technique; if you’re new to fitness, or have struggled with injuries in the past, consider enlisting the help of an expert.
Making a decision to change is the first step towards reaching any goal. Now it’s time to make a plan and get the support and guidance you need to be successful. Check out our expert team of personal trainers to get started! #TheFitnessXperts