How to start your fitness journey (and stick to it)!
Starting your fitness journey can be a wild ride. Equal parts exciting and intimidating…although for me, it was mostly intimidating! Getting to where you want to be can seem like a fantasy. Finding the time can be so hard. Finding the motivation can feel impossible. Trust me when I say you are not alone in these feelings - everyone (and I mean everyone) struggles at the start. Here are some of my tips to kickstart your fitness journey and set yourself up for long-term success.
The first step on any fitness journey is to clearly define your goals. Knowing what you want to achieve will give your journey purpose and direction. Your goals should be specific, and actionable. So maybe you aim to lose a certain amount of weight, or run 5K, or increase your strength. Whatever they are, make sure they are realistic and achievable. Giving yourself unrealistic goals is just setting yourself up for failure early on!
Once you’ve set your goals, you need to start building consistent exercise habits. Consistency is KEY in any fitness journey. Exercising at the same time every day is a great way to hold yourself accountable and create positive habits. Finding the ideal time for your workouts can take a little trial and error. Maybe your ideal time is super early, before everyone wakes up. Or on your lunch break from work. Or after the kids are in bed. Start with a manageable frequency and duration, gradually increasing it as you build up your fitness level. Scheduling your workouts really helps to make them a non-negotiable part of your routine. Play around with it, and see what works.
And of course, remember to hydrate and rest! Proper hydration and rest are so often overlooked when it comes to fitness. Staying hydrated is crucial for muscle development and organ function, as well as recovery. And I cannot overstate the importance of proper rest for your body! Working out seven days a week will wear you out, and not taking care of your body can actually set you back on your journey. Sleep, recovery days, saunas, baths - all of these are great ways to take care of yourself, and stay motivated.
Please don't feel like you need to go on this journey alone. Share your goals with friends and family who can provide support and encouragement. Maybe you could join a fitness class or group to connect with like-minded people. Having someone in your life who can hold you accountable will help you stay on track, especially during challenging moments.
Finally, remember to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Lifted an extra kg? Ran a little further? Go you! Acknowledging your accomplishments helps you maintain a positive mindset. Treating yourself to rewards that align with your fitness journey can be a huge motivator too. Some of my favourite rewards are a new workout outfit or a treat meal at a great restaurant.
Starting your fitness journey is a significant step toward a healthier and happier life. Be patient, and stay consistent, and you will get there! Remember that your journey is totally unique to you, and the most important thing is the positive impact it has on your physical and mental well-being.
So, lace up those sneakers, fuel your body right, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
x Dani