Starting a fitness routine intimidates most beginners. With so many exercises, diet plans, and health resources to choose from - it gets difficult to decide where to start.
It's important to prioritize self-care and make sure that what you do is sustainable for both your physical and mental wellness. Getting in shape doesn't have to be a chore. Starting a fitness routine can be easier than you think! Take small steps and chart a course that works best for your lifestyle.
Follow the following steps to start your fitness journey:
1. Set Realistic Goals: Day to Day Fitness Challenges
Begin by establishing realistic goals, like walking during your lunch break or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Incorporate activities you enjoy, like playing basketball with friends or going on bike rides with the family.
Focus on consistency rather than perfection. Just do something active every day, even if it's only for 10 minutes. Your body will thank you in the long run!
2. Choose the Right Exercise: Cardio/ Yoga/HIIT
Your daily fitness routine doesn’t require you to be a gym rat or run marathons. There are plenty of exercises that require only minimal equipment and effort. You can choose activities that target all aspects of your fitness. Incorporate different types of exercises, such as flexibility and strength training, to give your muscles a comprehensive workout.
Try experimenting with high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which can be paired with any form of exercise such as breath workouts, running upstairs, or a quick jog in the evening.
Another popular choice is yoga. Yoga focuses on flexibility and relaxation while helping to maintain muscle strength. No matter what type of workout you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy – this will help keep you motivated to stick with your routine!
3. Make a Schedule
Start by looking at your current lifestyle. How many free hours do you have each day? When can you allot time for fitness? Be realistic when planning your schedule and make sure to choose a time that works around your other commitments.
Generally, an ideal fitness routine includes at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Begin with shorter sessions and slowly increase the duration as you get stronger.
Lastly, create a routine that is both sustainable and challenging. You should also make sure to get enough rest and recovery time in between workouts.
4. Track your Progress
Never miss out on identifying your goals. Create SMART goals which stand for Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Realistic; and Timely. For example, aim to walk for 30 minutes five days a week or run three kilometers, three days a week. Write down your goals and track your progress to stay motivated.
You won't reach your goals overnight and that's why it's important to track your progress. You can keep a journal or use a fitness tracker app to record your workouts, meals, and progress.
5. Stay Motivated
Motivation is the key when it comes to sticking to a daily fitness routine. To stay motivated, keep track of your successes. Visualize yourself achieving your goals, be proud when you’re successful, and take breaks when you need to.
Working out with friends or joining an exercise group can help you stay motivated and on track. Working out with others is a great way to stay accountable and have fun.
In conclusion, starting a daily fitness routine does not have to be complicated or overwhelming. With the right approach and mindset, you can quickly start on the path toward improved fitness.
It is important to find an enjoyable activity that fits your lifestyle, develop a realistic schedule, set measurable goals, and stay motivated. These steps will help ensure that your daily routine sticks and leads to positive results.