THINKING ABOUT A RESTART ON YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY?
Unsure what to expect?
Whether you have already begun your fitness journey or are thinking about getting started, we have created a list of some of the best things that to be completely honest we wish we knew from the beginning of
our fitness journeys.
1. EVERYONE STARTS AS A BEGINNER
Even someone who to you looks really fit and active, was once a beginner. You need to understand that some people are just further along in their journey than you and that is perfectly fine. Many people feel like they need to know everything before they even start. If you adopt this mentality, it could become a barrier stopping you completely! Throw yourself in the deep end and ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to be a beginner!
2. YOU WON’T ALWAYS HAVE THE MOTIVATION TO TRAIN
Motivation can only get you so far. Discipline and dedication are what it really takes to make any improvement in your health. One of the great ways to be held accountable is to get a workout buddy and help keep each other accountable. They say that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but you will find it takes around 2 – 3 months of regular exercise to get yourself into a routine that lasts! It will become easier to stick to it after you’ve crossed that line.
3. YOU WON’T SEE PROGRESS IMMEDIATELY OR EVEN CONSISTENTLY
Persistence is key. Don’t think that after one workout you’ll be able to see your abs. We wish it was that easy! In all honestly, it can take a considerable amount of time to transform your body. The exact time frame will depend on your starting position and your goals. Generally, some people will begin to see results after around 2 weeks when sticking to a workout plan. To see results faster, be sure to nail the next point.
This is where we have helped many people start to implement those little habit changes and give you the tools to succeed like in our 8-week or 12-week challenges. We also have just implemented 2 new programs to help you kick start on the right track, you may have seen them today on social media. 30 Days to The Ultimate you & The 4 week Aim High & Beyond Program. We totally understand you may not be ready for that step but will be here to help you when you are.
4. DIET PLAYS A BIGGER ROLE THAN EXERCISE ITSELF
Ever heard the saying that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise? Well it’s true. The foods you consume, and your caloric intake play a huge role in seeing progress. If your goal is weight loss, you could literally exercise all day, but if you eat too many calories you will still never lose weight. The same goes for building muscle, if you don’t eat enough food surrounding your workouts, you won’t gain weight. Ensure your diet is composed of at least 80% healthy and whole foods, as well as a good amount of protein.
5. YOUR FITNESS LEVEL IS HIGHER/LOWER THAN YOU THINK
It’s easy to under/overestimate your strength or fitness level when you start exercising. People may assume they are ready to lift heavy weights or run 10 km the first time they start working out because they physically “look fit”. On the other hand, overweight people may think they are weak and unfit because of their unhealthy habits. Your physical abilities are based on more than just how you look. It’s best to start off slow, then as you get more confident with the exercises you can increase the difficulty. Taking on more than you can handle at the beginning can lead to burnout or injury. So, take it easy!
6. HAVING FUN WILL HELP YOU STAY ON TRACK
Fitness isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle and you need to make sure you can have fun with it! The harsh reality is that if you don’t enjoy yourself and view it as a chore, you will probably end up quitting. Find ways to exercise that you enjoy, a like-minded community with support and a positive can-do attitude. Appreciating the journey and the process rather than just thinking about the end goal is the key to staying on the fitness train.
Hope this blog helps you feel a little more at ease and perhaps ready to take that next step!
We are here to help you in any way when you are!
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