Working out regularly is usually high on new year resolution lists people fail to achieve. For me, it just goes back on the list every year and then I manage to fall off the wagon every single time. Here are my 4 beginner’s tips before you start to exercise on a daily basis.
I am not an athlete by nature or have ever been involved in even medium physical activity so whenever I start exercising, I am a beginner. My physical fitness journey is pretty much limited to a yoga class, a few zumba classes and six days trial sessions at a gym.
Just like healthy living, exercise is a part of your daily routine and not just a fad to come and go.
Now that I am in my 30’s and have been through my fair share of health problems, I strongly believe in improving stamina and immunity as a motivation for beginners instead of the usual weight loss goals. In my journey towards physical fitness, I have learned the importance of these following things and would like to share a few key points to note before you start to exercise regularly.
4 Beginner’s Tips Before You Start to Exercise
Where would you like to exercise?
The first question for you to decide is where would you like to start exercising. You would like to go to a gym, take up an activity, go to a walk in the park or start exercising at home. Another factor here would be the physical activity level you are already used to in your life and your current stamina.
If you have already been a runner, it is natural to take up running again. If you like sports, it is a good start to join a team of the like-minded. So, decide what would you like to do or start with at least for the next two months and how frequently can you accommodate the activity into your daily routine.
Get the right Workout Gear
Often an underestimated factor, wearing the right clothes and accessories is extremely important in determining the success of your fitness routine. You would need a separate wardrobe right from sports bra to pair of socks and shoes. The reason is these clothes are made of lycra and polyester to make sure sweat does not cling to your body.
They allows your skin to breathe and sweat more as you continue your exercises. They also allow flexibility in movements during your workouts. Investing in the right clothes is a huge motivation. Even when you are planning to workout at home, you must make sure to change into your workout gear.
Also, allow for knee caps, elbow caps, yoga mats and other accessories which make workout easier and comfortable and prevent injuries. Never ever workout with bare feet unless you are doing yoga which must be done on a yoga mat.
Tailor your Daily Routine to fit in the Exercise
What is the best time for your workout? Some like it in the mornings and others can not make times till late nights. Blend the workout routine seamlessly into your daily routine so that you do not feel the stress to make time for it. Sometimes, you do have to make a conscious effort to make out time for yourself.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance helps here. Also, improving your bedtime habits would be immensely helpful in the long run for a healthy lifestyle. Go to sleep and get up at the same time everyday to create a routine. Try to workout at the same time everyday. If sometimes it is just not possible, make time for it later or earlier in the day.
If you like to exercise in the mornings, make sure you are out of bed an hour before your exercise schedule. Change into your workout gear and have pre-workout snacks. Boiled egg whites, half a banana, few nuts and dates are all great hands-on options.
If you decide to exercise in the evenings, make sure to have your pre-workout snacks on time and not over-indulge in evening snacking, reach the gym at least fifteen minutes before your workout and change into your workout gear. Plan for the days when you will not be able to get out of the office on time.
If you are planning to exercise at home, create a separate workout room or space where no one would disturb you. The space should be well-ventilated and airy. Keep your yoga mat, exercising accessories, bottle of water and a napkin nearby.
Ask a Friend to Join In or Join a Group who will Monitor Your Goals
Last year there were too many walk-a-thon challenges happening all around. Those were motivations enough for me and my friends to take regular evening walks. Once they got over, our daily walks after dinner went for a toss. Then, we decided to go for swimming or gym sessions together or play badminton. We were successful for some days and again everything derailed. Finally, we did make it to the trial sessions at the gym together.
It is always great to have someone join in with you when you start to exercise as both a motivation and control factor. Also, your companion should be one who can encourage you not to be lazy instead of the other way around. Create small and attainable fitness goals and complement it with the right diet. Eating well is an important part of your fitness journey.
These are a few points which I learned in my rather short fitness journey. Before you start to exercise, make sure you start right to sustain the routine and make it a part of your lifestyle. Increased stamina and resilience will keep your motivation high and help you push yourself further. Always remember to push yourself just enough and not hurt your body in the process. Good luck with your fitness journey.
What tips did you follow in your fitness journey?
What is your best advise for someone who is going to start his fitness journey? What is one important fact you should know before you start to exercise? How did you make exercising a part of your routine? Share your mantras in the comments below.
Till then, Swathy.
Nice article Swati,
Another important factor when you are beginning working out is dealing with how to keep yourself motivated. Because this is one factor which derails most beginners.
They start out enthusiastically but “n” number of factor stop them dead in their tracks.
The easiest way to stay motivated is to always have the reason you started exercising firmly in your mind.
Talking about Lycra, I myself prefer cotton clothing when I hit the gym, especially in summer. I just can’t stand Lycra unless it is swimwear in a pool. 🙂
Kneller Fernandes
Author of the book “The Weight Loss Ladder: Let’s Un-complicate Fitness” (Available on Amazon/ Flipkart)
so true Kneller. it is all psychological and power of thought which helps keep people motivated. regarding clothes, I do prefer cotton clothing coz it helps saves bucks and is easy on skin but I have seen activewear does help when your workout is intense. though, it makes sense to invest in the clothing when you are taking exercising seriously and not as a fad.