What Advice I’d Give Someone Looking to Start Their Fitness Journey

So, you’ve decided it’s time to start your fitness journey. First of all, kudos! That takes courage, and we both know it’s easier said than done. Starting a fitness routine can feel like standing at the base of Mount Everest and looking up at the summit while wearing flip-flops. But don’t worry – I’ve got your back. I’ve compiled some advice that’ll help you kickstart your fitness journey without the confusion and frustration that often come with it. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in a little humor to make sure you don’t take it all too seriously. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Don’t Overthink It

First rule: Don’t get paralyzed by the perfect plan. It’s tempting to sit down and research every workout known to mankind before you even break a sweat...but trust me – your future self will thank you if you just start. If you’re trying to figure out whether to go for yoga or HIIT or strength and conditioning group training or, like, interpretive dance (no judgment), just pick one thing and do it. Seriously. Progress happens when you put in the work, not when you’re busy making a workout spreadsheet for the next five years.

2. Start Slow – Like Really Slow

You’re probably thinking, “Oh, I’ve watched a few fitness influencers on Instagram. I can totally start by doing 300 push-ups, 200 squats, and running a marathon.” Well, I’m here to tell you that’s a good way to end up in the ER. If you’re just starting, focus on the basics and go easy on yourself. You don’t need to run a 5K on day one – that’ll come later. Start with something simple, like a short walk or some bodyweight exercises. Your muscles will thank you, and your future self will be a lot less sore.

3. Set Realistic Goals (No, You Won’t Look Like The Rock in a Week)

This is where reality checks come into play. You’re not going to transform into a superhero overnight. Fitness is a marathon, not a sprint (unless you’re doing an actual sprint, in which case, let’s talk). Set small, achievable goals that’ll keep you motivated. For example: “This week, I’ll walk 30 minutes a day,” or “I’ll do 10 squats every morning.” Once you hit those goals, celebrate the wins – no matter how small. You’ll be surprised how much motivation you get from simply sticking to a routine for a week.

4. Consistency > Intensity

You know what’s harder than doing a 100 burpees in 5 minutes? Doing those burpees every day. Intensity is great, but what really counts in the long run is consistency. Focus on building a habit first. Once the habit is solid, then you can increase the intensity. Trying to go all-out in your first week and burning yourself out is the quickest way to end up on the couch, binge-watching Netflix and saying, “I’ll start again next Monday.” The real magic happens when you show up consistently, even if it’s just for 20 minutes.

5. Enjoy the Process (Yes, Really)

Fitness isn’t just about looking good – it’s about feeling good, too. I know, I know – you’re probably in this for the six-pack abs, but remember that the journey itself can be enjoyable. Find activities you like! If you hate running, don’t do it. There are plenty of other options like dancing, swimming, or even climbing up stairs for a workout that’ll make you feel like a mountain climber. Exercise shouldn’t feel like a punishment; it should be something that you look forward to, or at least something you can tolerate without plotting your escape halfway through.

6. Find a Workout Buddy (Or a Really Enthusiastic Dog)

Accountability is key. And if you can’t find a workout buddy who’s as excited about lunges as you are, try convincing your dog to join you. Spoiler alert: They’re usually game for a walk. But on a more serious note, having a friend or even a trainer can make a huge difference. They’ll encourage you when you’re feeling lazy and celebrate with you when you hit milestones. Plus, it’s harder to cancel a workout if someone is counting on you to show up. Peer pressure for good, right?

7. Celebrate the Small Wins

Did you finish your workout today? Boom! That’s a win. Did you resist the urge to hit snooze for the 50th time and actually get up to stretch? Another win! Fitness isn’t just about reaching some end goal; it’s about all the tiny wins that lead up to it. So when you knock out a set of squats or make it through a whole workout without checking your phone (yes, even if it’s just a 15-minute session), give yourself a mental high-five. Those little victories build up and make the bigger wins seem less far away.

8. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Here’s the thing – Instagram is full of perfect angles and filter-induced abs. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle. Everyone’s journey is different. Some people may seem to be making faster progress, but trust me, they’ve probably been at it for longer. Focus on your progress, and don’t worry about where anyone else is at. Fitness is a personal thing, and it’s about how you feel – not how you look in someone else’s story.

9. Listen to Your Body (It’s Not a Robot)

If you feel pain – like, actual pain – stop what you’re doing. No workout is worth injuring yourself over. On the flip side, if you’re feeling super sore, take it easy for a day or two. Listen to your body. It’ll let you know when it’s had enough. Taking care of yourself is just as important as pushing yourself, so don’t treat your body like it’s made of steel. It’s not. Yet.

10. Have Fun!

Above all else, have fun with it. Fitness is about more than just looking good – it’s about feeling strong, confident, and capable. Sure, there will be tough days, but in the end, you’re doing this for yourself. Celebrate the small victories and enjoy the process. Who knows, you might even start looking forward to your workouts (but no pressure if that takes a while).

Conclusion

So there you have it – my advice for starting your fitness journey. Remember to start small, stay consistent, and keep a sense of humor. The road ahead may have its bumps (and maybe some sore muscles), but with time, patience, and a little bit of fun, you’ll get where you want to be. Now, go crush that workout – or, you know, just go for a walk. It all counts!

If you need guidance or accountability, you can always hit me up. I got you!

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