This year, I made a rather vague New Year's resolution: to be more active. I didn't specify how I wanted to be more active, how often, or why, but I knew I needed to start. I kicked off the year with cycle classes, which I enjoyed initially but eventually found a bit monotonous. I also tried rock climbing, inspired by friends who were regular climbers, but soon realized I wasn't cut out for it. It became evident that I was not in good physical shape and needed a change. The only logical solution was to start going to the gym.
I was always apprehensive about entering the gym, as it seemed like an intimidating place for me; however, my friend convinced me to join her one day. She created a workout plan and acted as my trainer, showing me the ropes. She even introduced me to some gym buddies who reassured me that everyone initially feels unsure and most people are focused on their own workouts, not judging others. This experience made me realize that the intimidation was mostly in my head.
It's now been a couple of months since that day, and I've been going to the gym regularly ever since. I've decided to share some tips for those who may be in the same position I was a few months ago, hoping these steps can assist you as they've helped me.
1. Create a Goal
I think the first step would be for you to set a goal for yourself. Fitness goals come in various forms, and they should reflect what you genuinely want to achieve. Example of fitness goals can be to lose weight, become stronger, do the splits, etc. Make sure you are creating realistic goals because creating an unrealistic goal could demotivate you in your progress. For example, I have a friend who’s current goal is to do a headstand. He typically does heavy weights but has also been adding in more stretching to work on his flexibility in order to reach this goal. Goal setting acts as a series of milestones along your fitness journey. Achieving these milestones can be incredibly rewarding, as they signify progress and reinforce your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, when you have a clear goal in mind, you naturally begin to think about how to achieve them. You'll start considering the exercises, workouts, and dietary choices that will best help you attain your goal.
2. Find What Works for you
Once you have created your goal, you should next figure out what works for you. I’ve mentioned that I have gone cycling and rock climbing but neither worked out for me. This experience is quite common, and it's essential to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. The uniqueness of each individual's goals, personality, and circumstances means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success. It takes a bit of trial and error, but over time you will create your own preferences.
3. Make a Plan
At this point you have set a fitness goal you’d want to achieve, and figured out what works for you, now you should create a fitness plan. This should be a schedule that shows how often you would like to work out and what you’ll do. My current goal is to hit the gym five days a week. I have organized my workouts into four distinct routines: push day, cardio day, pull day, and leg day. Each of these routines is designed to target specific muscle groups and aspects of fitness.. On push days, I work out my chest, shoulder and triceps. On abs and cardio day, I typically do abs and cardio. On pull days I work out my back and biceps. And lastly on leg day I workout my glutes and legs. I also have exercises that I routinely do for each of these days.
It's worth mentioning that there is a vast array of workout routines available online that you can adapt and customize to suit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're into strength training, yoga, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), you're likely to find a routine that aligns with your fitness objectives. Creating a personalized fitness plan isn't just about establishing a schedule; it's about pushing yourself and fostering gradual improvement over time
4. Create Good Workout Habits
You’ve probably heard it before, but sometimes working out isn't enough. It is important to create good workout habits that go along with it. Food is fuel, so make sure you're incorporating a healthy diet with your exercise. This doesn't mean you need to immediately cut out all carbs from your diet, but just means that you should be more conscious of the nutrients you're supplying your body with. It's also essential to stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you wherever you go and make sure that you're hydrating yourself throughout your workout and throughout the day as well. I have an Owala Free sip water bottle that I love because it keeps my ice frozen the entire day. I also enjoy drinking electrolyte water as it gives me more energy to workout and get through my day. I personally recommend the Drip Drop Hydration Electrolyte Packets since they give me energy and also taste great. I have linked both the water bottle and electrolyte packets in my storefront for your convenience.
5. Just Start and Stay Consistent!
This is the last tip and probably the most important I can give you as you embark on your fitness journey. That is to just start and stay consistent! It probably seems the most simple, but is surprisingly the hardest. Adhering to your schedule can be difficult at first, but over time you’ll find yourself immersed in your routine. I now find that going to the gym is an hour of my day that I can truly focus on and work on myself. Ever since I began thinking this way, I found going to the gym to be a rather therapeutic experience. I hope that you can begin to see yourself blossom in your fitness journey.
Hopefully this blog post will show you not to let your fear of the unknown or the apprehension of a new environment hold you back. I also hope my journey from a non-active lifestyle to a regular gym-goer can serve as an inspiration. You're not alone in your journey, and remember that even the most experienced gym-goers once had their first day. With clear goals, experimentation, a well-structured plan, good habits, and unwavering consistency, you can turn your fitness aspirations into a reality.
Embrace the opportunity to better yourself and flourish on your fitness journey. It's not just about the destination; it's about the incredible transformation and the journey itself.
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