5 Tips for Starting Your Fitness Journey

The start of a new year is a time when many of us set new goals for ourselves, including fitness goals. Deciding to exercise and get in shape is the first major step in starting your fitness journey. For fitness newcomers, the thought of going to the gym or embarking on a fitness program can feel intimidating and overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be.

This article provides practical tips and motivational advice to help you get going on your fitness journey.

1. Finding your “why”

When it comes to exercising regularly, one of the secrets to staying the course is having a valid reason for “why” you’re doing it. Often, just “getting fit” isn’t going to be motivating enough over the long-term. The question you really need to answer for yourself is why do you want to exercise and get in shape?

Along with the natural results of exercising, such as looking and feeling better, you might be looking to reduce your stress levels, sleep better at night, boost your mood, enhance your energy levels, build self-confidence and so on. Perhaps you want to get in better shape so you can enjoy playing your favourite sport?

Your “why” will be unique to you. Delve into what your motivations are, write them down and refer to them regularly. This will help keep you motivated and stay the course when it comes to exercising. It will also help you map out and define your fitness goals.

2. Small steps, big impact

While you should definitely set yourself fitness goals and milestones to achieve, don’t always focus on the big picture, as this can be overwhelming for beginners. Instead, start off with small, achievable steps like taking short, brisk walks every day. Another fun way to kickstart your fitness routine is to follow along with short exercise videos on YouTube and other platforms. Many of these videos are only five minutes long and offer an enjoyable and easy way to get started.

Fitness is more about consistency than anything else. While exercise intensity plays a role, it’s consistency that gets results. It’s all about movement and action. Taking regular action, even if it’s just small steps, leads to big changes over time.

Celebrate little victories along the way too, like completing a workout without needing a break, mastering a new exercise, or even just showing up to exercise. It all counts and you should celebrate every step.

3. Fuelling your body, not fads

To achieve your fitness goals and ensure good health overall, you need to think about more than just exercise. Focus on maintaining good nutrition consistently and always eating a balanced diet. Eat whole foods (not processed foods), be mindful of what you eat and when, and always maintain good hydration.

Avoid fad diets or any nutritional program that leave you feeling restricted. Your mind and body need portions from all the food groups on a daily basis, so never compromise on this. Just keep everything in moderation. Consult a registered dietitian for personalised nutrition advice if you need to.

4. Conquering gym anxiety

If you’ve never been to a gym before, you’re probably imagining a room full of ultra-fit gym junkies with perfect bodies. This is hardly the case in most gyms. For example, here at Live Fit Gym, we have members of all fitness levels; from complete beginners through to fitness professionals. People of all ages, shapes and sizes come to our gym. Everyone’s welcome and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

You won’t be out of place, and if you’re not sure what to do or how to use the equipment, our trained staff will be happy to show you.

If you do experience some social anxiety, just focus on your own workout and use headphones to listen to your favourite tunes while you’re exercising. You can also join any of our classes where beginners are very welcome, and the instructor will help you work at your own pace and do the exercise correctly. It’s actually a lot of fun.

5. Building your support system

A support network is a great way to stay focused and motivated. Having others around who share your vision and fitness goals will keep you accountable so you stay the course. A support system also makes exercise more enjoyable and rewarding.

Enlisting the help of a personal trainer is one of the best ways to achieve your goals and stay on track.

We have some of the best personal trainers in the business at Live Fit Gym, along with group fitness classes, fun social events and very supportive staff.