How to get started your fitness lifestyle change?

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. However it can be the hardest step to make! Trying to break the inertia of being sedentary can be so hard. We know exercise is good for us, but it is easy to be overwhelmed with information and get paralysis by analysis. Here are a few simple steps to get you started!

Start small

The best way to initiate change is with starting with something small that is easy to work into your routine. One of the best most simple things you can implement is a ten to twenty minute walk around your neighborhood. This one is quick and easy. No need to change out of your work clothes. No need to drive to a gym and buy a membership. Everyone has an outside. No matter your age, background, weight, fitness level you should be able to go for a walk.

Have a Partner keep you on track

It can be hard to motivate yourself. One effective way to stay on track is by including someone to keep you motivated. You can make it a social event where you and your friend go to the gym together at a certain time. Now the gym isn’t a dreadful experience where you go to sweat and workout by yourself, but a chance to catch up with your friend while you two walk on the treadmill. Telling someone you will meet them at a certain time is a great way to get motivated to get your couch and get moving. Once you are there, you and your partner can encourage each other to keep going and finish the workout. Make sure to verbalize the what you want to do (ex. 20 minutes on a stair master, do 3 sets of an exercise, try to do a heavier weight). This will help motivate you to finish the goal you set out, knowing thats what the other person’s expectation is.

Set yourself up for success

A good way to stay consistent is to set yourself up beforehand. Try to lay out the clothes you plan to wear to the gym the day before. You can also pack a bag beforehand with a filled water bottle, lifting gloves, towel and headphones. This will help save time tomorrow and remove barriers to entry. Seeing it out in your room will also be a reminder that you planned on going to the gym.

Set aside time

Try to set out a dedicated time for your exercise. It is best when it can be a consistent time throughout the week. I noticed the most consistent people to the gym are the people who go in the morning. These people generally dedicated 6 to 8 am for their routines. They know this is a consistent time they can make it to the gym since it is before work. From this they can revolve their schedule around this same time and make sure they can make it to the gym. Morning workouts are a great way to start your day with something productive that will help you carry the positive momentum for the rest of the day!