Fitness Tips for Beginners: A Guide to Get in Shape

Starting a new fitness regime can be overwhelming. There are so many different fitness programs, expensive gym memberships, and confusing fitness jargon. As a result, many people give up on their fitness goals altogether. However, there is hope! Fret not, new fitness comer. You can achieve your fitness goals and get fit without spending hours at the gym or breaking the bank. All you need is a little bit of motivation, patience, and guidance. Keep reading to learn how to get into shape and stay there.

Jump-start your fitness routine

Chances are you’ve been putting off your fitness goals for a while. You think you have time to get fit, but then life gets in the way. However, procrastinating on your fitness goals is a recipe for failure. The longer you put off starting your fitness routine, the harder it will be to stay committed.

To get yourself moving, try these tips:

• Sign up for a fitness challenge with a friend.
• Organize a fitness class with your friends.
• Create a fitness budget and stick to it.
• Find a fitness buddy to help keep you on track.
• Set a fitness goal, such as “I want to lose weight.”

Make the most of your time

If you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, allow yourself to make mistakes while you learn. Don’t compare yourself to others and try not to stress over small things. The most important thing is to just get started. You will inevitably have times when you don’t feel like working out. These are normal feelings and are not indications that you should give up. Instead of letting these feelings stop you, push through them and get your workout in.

Set realistic goals

Health-conscious people often make the mistake of setting unrealistic fitness goals. This is because they don’t take into account how much time and dedication it will take to achieve their goal. Be realistic about your goals from the outset and allow for failure. If you set a goal to walk every day for a month, but then fall ill and can’t walk for a few weeks, don’t get upset with yourself. Instead, try walking a little bit every day while you are able to walk again.

Be patient

It’s important to be patient while you are getting into shape. You will not see results overnight. Instead, expect to see small changes over a period of time. If you are consistent, you will start to notice the results.

Don’t compare your fitness journey to others

Everyone’s fitness journey is different. While you may have friends who are fitness buffs, they may not be the best example for you. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on what you can do. For example, you may be able to push yourself a little bit further than someone else.

Don’t skip meals

Hectic schedules often make it difficult to fit meals into our schedules. Skipping meals can cause our metabolic rates to drop, which in turn makes it harder to lose weight. During busy times, try to fit in a healthy snack two to three hours before bedtime. If you find yourself constantly running out of time, write down what you’re going to eat for the day and take it with you.

Do cardio exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes every day

There are many forms of aerobic and anaerobic exercise, such as:

• Walking
• Running
• Biking
• Swimming
• Step aerobics
• Spinning
• Stair climbing
• Elliptical machine
• Weight training
• Plyometric exercises
• Intervals
• Group fitness classes
• Cardio boot camp programs

Factors to consider when determining the ideal amount of time spent exercising:

• Age
• Conditioning
• Pacing
• Environment

Don’t forget to stretch

Stretching helps to prevent injury and keep muscles and joints flexible. It also helps to reduce stress and improve mental health.

Aim to do stretching exercises for at least 10 to 15 minutes every day.

Some good stretches to try out:

• Knee to elbow
• Quadriceps to shoulder
• Hamstring to shoulder
• Hip to shoulder
• Shoulder to ankle

Wrapping Up

Getting into shape doesn’t have to be a chore. If you are willing to put in the work, you can achieve your fitness goals and get fit without spending hours at the gym or breaking the bank. All you need is a little bit of motivation, patience, and guidance. Keep reading to learn how to get into shape and stay there.