If fitness were easy, most of us would wake up each morning ready to pose for the cover of Sports Illustrated. Unfortunately, the fact that getting in great shape tends to be a challenging ordeal (not just physically, but also mentally) means that many of us have long since abandoned the road to peak physical condition. If there is one resounding truth about getting started with fitness, it’s that it always starts challenging, but it gets easier. The idea is to stay consistent.
That said, there’s no reason to make the initial stage of fitness more of a challenge than they have to be. Some people get overwhelmed due to tackling too many things at once. That’s a guaranteed recipe for failure and frustration, as overwhelming yourself will only result in burnout and potentially rebounding to an even unhealthier lifestyle. Here’s a better way to get started with fitness for those ready to take the plunge:
How to get started with fitness
Depending on your size and stamina, your initial fitness workouts may be quite different from someone else’s. (This is why it’s not a good idea to get your workout programs from YouTube – there is a lot of terrible exercise instruction on the web, and ‘canned’ workout programs are not specific to your needs, your body goals, or your abilities.)
Shameless plug: It is so challenging to figure out the best possible workout for yourself without professional help. So enlisting the advice and guidance of a qualified personal trainer will help immensely. Hiring a personal trainer will get you the personalized exercise program you need, the nutrition program that’s best for your goals, and the motivation you need to stay on track! It’s far better than trying to do everything on your own.
However, that does not mean that you are helpless on your own. If a personal trainer doesn’t fit into your budget, we’ve got an online training program ready to go for you.
Or you can begin your own fitness program with some simple body movements: Walking, hiking, yoga, cycling, jogging, or shadowboxing are easy ways to begin, as they will all get you moving, but the workout intensity is up to you. And none of those kinds of exercise even require any equipment!
Finding the right ways to manage stress
Wellness also means finding the right ways to manage stress. First and foremost, you don’t have to worry. Getting healthier is not supposed to be stressful!
In addition to basic exercise and smart nutrition upgrades for weight loss and health, being healthy includes managing stress.
Finding the right way to kick back and relax can involve using targeted wellness products:
- Meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.
- Water soluble CBD. (It’s a product that can be easily integrated into what you drink, while simultaneously offering a number of potential health benefits.)
- Essential oils and/or aromatherapy
- White noise machine for better sleep
Looking for quality wellness products that can help you will ensure that you make the most out of your free time.
Don’t push yourself too hard
The trouble with pushing too hard when it comes to dieting and fitness is that it can end up being too overwhelming and intimidating. The right pace is important, as it can help you get right back on the road to fitness without being too inundated with changes. There’s no reason to push yourself too hard or try too many things at once. This will probably just lead to failure and end up discouraging you.
With the help of a professional personal trainer and nutrition coach, it’s a lot easier to get into the groove of things. Together we’ll successfully find a routine for exercise, nutrition, and stress management that works for you. It might seem overwhelming now, but a little consistency and accountability make a world of a difference. Eventually, being healthy becomes second nature, just like brushing your teeth!
If you’d like to discuss getting our help with your training, nutrition, and lifestyle, just drop us a note. We’re taking personal training and nutrition clients in-person in Nashville, or online anywhere in the world!