Starting a fitness program is very likely one of the best things you can do for your health, not only can it help reduce your risk of chronic disease, it also helps you to lose weight, can improve your balance and coordination and can even cure unhealthy sleep habits. But actually getting started seems like a daunting task and weeks slide by without any action on your part.
Well I’m here to tell you that it is EASY to get started if you just use these tips!
GET THE RIGHT GEAR
It’s not necessary for an entire wardrobe makeover but getting yourself the proper footwear, workout clothes and a supportive sports bra can be just the thing you need to get you going and also help with sticking to your program. Depending on the type of program you choose you may also need some additional workout equipment. When you’re on a budget the thought of what it might cost is enough to put you off right away, but if you use a little forward planning and search Discountrue for coupons and special deals online before buying anything you need it can make the cost seem worthwhile. Remember – if you look good, you feel good so why not get that cute little fitness outfit you have been eyeing!
FIND THE RIGHT WORKOUT FOR YOU
If you’re a social butterfly then solo activities like a walk through the neighborhood or cycling to the shops isn’t for you. Not too fond of crowds? Then signing up for a Zumba class or joining a local sports team is definitely not a good idea. Choose a fitness program that fits with your personality, if you have a lot of pent up anger and frustration from work then consider kick boxing or martial arts, if you want to have fun and laugh while you get fit then grab a couple of girlfriends and sign up for one of those pole dancing fitness classes or yoga. Most activities have a free trial which you can take advantage of to find out whether that particular activity will work for you.
TAKE IT SLOW
There is no reason for you to spend hours at the gym training like a professional athlete. Start off with about ten minutes of physical activity a day – it can be anything walking, gardening, jumping jacks during ad breaks and GRADUALLY work your way up to longer periods of exercise. Start off with exercising for just three days a week and once you’re comfortable add another day, or exercise for longer periods. Thirty minutes of exercise a day can be broken up into ten minute blocks and is a lot easier to fit into a busy schedule than a solid thirty minute block – plus it’s just as effective! You can easily make a home gym in your own house too.
REWARD YOURSELF
Keep a log of any physical activity you do, if you take the stairs instead of the elevator, if you walk to the end of the block and back. Share your daily activities with someone who’ll keep asking you how it’s going. Better yet, find yourself an exercise partner. It’s a lot harder to skip that workout when there is someone counting on you to sweat along with them. Whenever you reach one of your milestones or mini goals then reward yourself with something special. Even if it’s nothing more than a bar of chocolate or dinner and a movie. Having small goals and rewarding yourself whenever you reach them will help to keep you motivated and make you work harder for that next goal.
So there you have it. They say it takes 66 days to form a new habit so for at least two months you may struggle to get going. But if you stick to these tips then getting fit won’t be nearly as hard as you’ve been telling yourself!
