For some people, there’s no better way to spend their free time than by lying on the couch, snuggling up in a blanket, and watching their favorite shows on TV. And that’s perfectly fine, in moderation! But spending all your free time remaining sedentary can be detrimental to your physical and mental health.
It’s crucial to find a balance that works for you, and for many people, that means incorporating some form of exercise into their daily routine. If you’re someone who’s looking to start their fitness journey, congratulations! Deciding to become more active is a significant first step.
But where do you start? It can be a bit overwhelming if you’re new to the fitness world. There are so many ways to exercise, and it’s not always clear which one is right for you. So, if you need a push in the right direction, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a guide on how to start your fitness journey.
Do You Need to Go to the Gym?
One of the first questions you must ask yourself is whether you need to go to a gym to start working on your fitness. But this largely depends on your budget and motivation. If you don’t have the money to spend on a gym membership, you might be better off working out at home since it’s free.
However, it might be worth the investment if you find it challenging to stay motivated without other people around within the structure of a gym. Besides, most gyms these days offer more resources and classes than just weights or thread mills. Some offer aerobic classes, yoga, dance, and even climbing walls.
So, you need to choose the right gym if you go this route. Don’t get a membership with the first gym you check out; instead, tour around and see what different gyms in your area have to offer. You should also compare prices to find one that’s affordable for you to get the best deal.
How Much Should You Work Out?
This question has no easy answer since it largely depends on your fitness goals. Do you want to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health? Depending on your goals, you’ll need to work out more or less frequently.
If you want to lose weight, you should aim to exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes. This could be anything from going for a run to taking a dance class. And if you want to build muscle, you’ll need to focus on resistance training, such as weightlifting, and you should do this two to three times per week.
The best way to achieve your fitness goal is to create a workout routine, whether on your own or with a gym trainer. This should be tailored to your goals and abilities so that you’re not overworking or underworking your body. Remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and give yourself rest days when you need them.
How to Create a Workout Routine
If you’re someone who’s never exercised before, it’s essential to ease your way into it. You don’t want to overdo it and risk injuring yourself or getting burnt out. Start by working out two to three times per week for 30 minutes. This could be as simple as walking or jogging around your neighborhood.
As you get more comfortable exercising, you can increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. If you’re going to the gym, you can add more weight to your lifts or try out new machines. Try HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts, or add some cardio if you’re working out at home.
The most important thing is to find an exercise routine that you enjoy and can stick to. If you don’t like running, there’s no point in forcing yourself to do it. There are other ways to get your heart rate up, such as biking or swimming. So, find something you’re excited to do, and the rest will fall into place.
What to Eat to Stay Healthy
Eating healthy is just as important as exercising when you’re trying to get fit. After all, you are what you eat! So ensure you get enough protein from chicken, fish, tofu, legumes, and eggs. Protein is essential for muscle growth, so if you’re trying to build muscle, you must ensure you’re eating enough.
You should also increase your fruit and vegetable intake because these are packed with vitamins and minerals that help your body function properly. And if you’re dependent on caffeine, you might want to cut down to lessen the staining on your teeth. Of course, you could always get a teeth whitening procedure, but avoiding foods that stain whenever you can is better.
Finally, don’t forget about healthy fats. Contrary to popular belief, not all fats are bad for you. Healthy fats are essential for your body. Good sources of healthy fats include olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Consuming these will help you feel fuller for longer and give you sustained energy throughout the day.
Putting It All Together
Starting your fitness journey can initially seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a healthier and happier you in no time! So, choose a gym that’s right for you, create a workout routine that you enjoy, and eat healthy to fuel your body. You got this!
