Starting a fitness routine can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to it.
But with the right mindset and a few key tips, you can set yourself up for success and make your fitness routine a sustainable part of your life.
In this post, we'll guide you through the key steps of starting your fitness journey as a beginner.
How to Start a Fitness Journey in 11 Steps
Starting your fitness journey doesn't need to be complicated.
It can be a straightforward road that can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and coronary heart disease.
Just follow our 11 simple tips on how to start getting fit and get started on the right track.
1. Set Realistic Goals and Start Small
Setting realistic goals is a critical first step in your fitness journey.
When goals are achievable, they provide a sense of motivation and purpose, keeping you focused on the path to better health.
Overly ambitious goals, on the other hand, may result in early burnout or injury, causing setbacks.
That's why it's important to start small and build up gradually. If you haven't worked out in a while, don't expect to run a marathon in your first week.
By starting small, such as aiming for a short daily walk before progressing to more strenuous exercise, you gradually build your fitness level and confidence.
This approach ensures a sustainable and successful fitness journey, fostering a positive attitude towards health and exercise.
2. Remember Something is Better Than Nothing
When commencing a fitness journey, it's crucial to remember that something is always better than nothing.
Even the smallest bouts of physical activity can have a positive impact on your health and well-being.
If you can't dedicate a full hour to working out, don't let that dissuade you.
Instead, seize the opportunity to do a quick 10-minute workout or even take a brisk walk around the block.
These seemingly minor activities accumulate over time, contributing significantly to achieving your fitness goals.
This approach not only helps in maintaining consistency but also strengthens the mindset that every effort counts, no matter how small.
3. Find a Workout Buddy and Build Support
Having a workout buddy can make all the difference in sticking with your fitness routine.
Find someone who has similar goals as you and schedule regular workout sessions together. Not only will you have someone to hold you accountable, but you'll also have someone to share your progress and successes with.
4. Make a Plan
Plan out your workouts ahead of time and stick to a schedule. This can help you stay motivated and focused, and it also ensures that you're getting a variety of workouts throughout the week.
By mixing in different types of exercises, such as cardio, strength training, and flexibility work, you can keep your routine interesting and a challenge to your body.
If you're just starting out, mapping out a weekly fitness plan can be difficult, but luckily that's where our next step comes in handy...
5. Utilise Fitness Apps
There's no denying that signing up for a gym membership can open up a whole new world of fitness equipment and classes.
However, it's not the be-all and end-all of starting a fitness journey.
There are plenty of other budget-friendly options, such as at-home workouts, running or cycling outdoors, or even using household items for resistance training.
Even better, there are a vast array of mobile apps these days that can help you build and track your fitness routines.
Many apps and wearables allow you to track your progress and set goals, which can be a great way to stay motivated and measure your success.
You can even connect with friends or join online communities through some apps to get extra support and encouragement.
What's more, if you're just starting out you can always begin at home using the most bespoke piece of gym equipment there is - your own body weight!
6. Mix It Up
Doing the same workout every day can get boring quickly.
That's why varying your workout routine is key to maintaining motivation and keeping your fitness journey exciting.
By introducing new exercises or changing your workout environment, you prevent your routine from becoming monotonous, and this can help you stick to your fitness plan.
A diverse workout regimen also ensures that you are working different muscle groups and not overworking any one area, which is essential for balanced fitness and injury prevention.
Whether it's switching between cycling and swimming, or alternating between yoga and strength training, mixing it up can keep things interesting and challenging.
Plus, trying different workouts can help you discover new exercises you enjoy, making your fitness journey more fun and rewarding.
7. Reward Yourself
Treat yourself to small rewards after reaching certain fitness milestones. This can be something as simple as a new workout outfit or a massage.
When you acknowledge your progress with rewards, you're reinforcing the positive behaviours that helped you achieve your goals, thus motivating you to maintain them.
Furthermore, rewards provide a sense of achievement and satisfaction, enhancing your emotional connection to your fitness journey.
This can be particularly beneficial during challenging times when your motivation levels might wane.
Whether it's treating yourself to a spa day, purchasing a new workout outfit, or even taking a rest day, these rewards act as powerful motivators, making your fitness journey more enjoyable and sustainable.
8. Stay Hydrated and Fuelled
Proper nutrition and hydration are necessary for your body to perform at its best.
Drinking enough water throughout the day and during your workouts can prevent dehydration and keep your energy levels up.
Additionally, fuelling your body with nutrient-rich foods can provide the energy and nutrients needed for optimal performance and recovery.
Make sure to consume a balanced diet with a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support your fitness goals.
9. Prioritise Recovery
It's easy to get caught up in pushing yourself to the limit every day but giving your body time to recover and rest is just as important for long-term success.
Make time to incorporate recovery into your routine and keep your body feeling its best.
Using a heat therapy and percussion massage device, like the Rhia Nano, can help soothe sore and tired muscles, promoting faster recovery and preventing injuries.
Also getting enough sleep is also crucial to a healthy and sustainable fitness routine. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to ensure that your body is properly rested and recovered.
10. Don't Give Up
There will be days when you don't feel like working out, and that's okay.
The road to achieving your fitness goals will inevitably be filled with challenges and setbacks, but it's crucial not to be deterred by these obstacles.
Maintaining a steadfast commitment to your fitness routine, even when progress seems slow or the journey becomes difficult, is paramount.
Over time, this unyielding perseverance transforms into resilience and strength, both physically and mentally.
Remember that every workout, every healthy choice, brings you one step closer to your goals.
So, no matter how tough the journey gets, don't give up. Keep pushing, keep moving, and you'll find that your tenacity is the most powerful tool you have in your fitness journey.
11. Have Fun
The most important tip for starting a fitness routine is to have fun.
Find activities that you enjoy and make your workouts something to look forward to.
Keeping fit doesn’t have to look like early morning runs or heavy lifting in the gym.
It could instead be activities like boxing, yoga, rock climbing, dance or hiking - The most important thing is to find something that you enjoy and that keeps you moving.
When you're having fun, you're more likely to stick with your routine.
Take Control of Your Pain, Organically
Thank you for reading our post on how to stay on your fitness journey.
Hopefully, you can use these tips to get started or find the motivation you need to keep going.
At Rhia Health, we are passionate about helping people live their best lives through natural wellness.
We believe that taking control of your health and pain management should be as simple and accessible as possible.
That's why we have created products like the Rhia Nano - our bespoke percussion and heat therapy device.
With Rhia Health, you can continue your fitness journey without the worry of relying on harmful painkillers.
The best time to start your fitness journey is right now, so join our community today and take control of your pain, organically.
So, what are you waiting for? It's time to start your fitness journey and live your best life!
Happy sweating!
