Although exercise is a necessary part of a person's overall health, that doesn't mean it always comes naturally. Learning how to move your body in a way that is both safe and builds fitness can be a challenge, especially if you have never planned out an exercise routine before. If you are a novice in the world of physical fitness, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Have a Reason
Being driven to exercise by the vague notion of wanting to be fitter is not nearly as compelling a motivation as something more concrete. You might want to improve your fitness for your health, boost your self-esteem, prepare for growing older, or give yourself a personal challenge. Whatever it might be, having a reason can make regular exercise much more bearable.
Take it Slow
Beginners are often keen to kickstart their fitness journeys by throwing themselves in head-first. While the enthusiasm is commendable, it can be dangerous [mfn]https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/workout-injuries-prevention-and-treatment[/mfn] to your physical health if you over-exert yourself too early in the process. It takes time to build strength and gain flexibility. Trying to do advanced exercises before your body is ready can lead to potentially serious injuries. Avoid hurting yourself by gradually increasing the difficulty level of your exercise when you notice progress. Insisting on taking the next step can have the opposite effect by causing harm and setting you back a few days or weeks.
Seek Professional Assistance
No one starts out as intuitively able to understand gym equipment or safe training techniques. If you are struggling to come up with some exercise ideas for yourself, a great place to start would be with a trainer or at a fitness class. A personal training gym, for example, can guide your fitness in a way that is backed by professionals in the industry. With the support of other people, you can develop your abilities in a safer environment. Learn to listen to your body and how it responds to different exercises. This will help you to consider your next fitness goals with more clarity and choice.
Find Activities You Won't Want to Quit
The trick to lasting physical fitness is to find an activity you want to keep doing. Many beginners start out with good intentions but eventually give up [mfn]https://www.verywellfit.com/why-you-give-up-on-exercise-and-what-to-do-about-it-1231338[/mfn] due to boredom. To combat this, discover which activities get you fit without being too much of a chore. Of course, exercise is never meant to be easy, but it doesn't have to be unbearable. You are far more likely to see positive results and continuous progress when you stick to it. Walking is an excellent way to get fit, and yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility and strength. Not all exercise has to be a sweat-fest to be effective.
If you have never seriously attempted a thorough fitness routine before, there is no shame in being a beginner. Whatever your reasons, however you want to do it, the main point is that you are taking the first step. Just remember that everyone, even the fittest athletes, have to start somewhere.