Recently, I’ve been getting the question of how to start the habit of working out. You know it’s good for you, you know you should do it, and maybe you really want to do it, but just don’t know how or where to start when it comes to working out.
If this is you, fear not, and read on my good friend. Here’s to helping you get started with your workout routine.
1. Start with 5 workouts
If you’re reading this article, it’s because you’re having trouble starting your workouts. Maybe you’ve been researching and planning, and telling yourself that you have to know a certain amount before you start so you know how, or you’re waiting for more time.
The best way to learn is by doing and the best way to find time, is to make whatever you are trying to fit in a higher priority. How? Simple– schedule yourself in first. Then follow through on your time-blocks.
So, pull up your calendar, write down and text a friend the days & times that you will commit to your first 5 workouts. This is not about knowing what to do, or getting results, it’s about starting and getting in the mind-set of making time for exercise.
5 Workouts, within a two week span. This is your first action to take. You can do it. Pull up your calendar and set in times
If you’re not sure what to do , start with one of the following:
- Hire a Trainer and pay up front for 5 sessions
- Join a gym or sign up for a trial and go 5 times, even just to walk on the treadmill
- Search for a local track near you and rotate between a walk/speed-walk/light jog
- Sign up for one month of fitness classes (my only hesitation here is that many classes may be too intense for beginners or someone exercising for the first time in months/years, so just make sure to take it light and talk to the instructor first)
Now, if you go with any of the above, here is the key: you MUST schedule times you are going to go in advance.
If you do not schedule it is once again easy to fall off or forget about. Schedule at a time that is most convenient (i.e. if you go to bed at 12pm, do not assume you’re all the sudden going to be ready for your workouts at 6am before work, instead bring your gym clothes and go right after, before you sit down and get too comfortable)
2. Go with another 5
If this strategy worked to help you get started, if you hit at least 2 workouts per week then don’t feel as if you have to change the strategy yet. Add one more and this time follow through with 6 times to exercise, with the target of 3 (or more) per week. Again, scheduling each in advance and texting a friend for accountability.
3. Shift to thinking longer term success
Now that you’ve started with something, it’s time to progress and start thinking longer term. After all, the reason most people eventually quit after they finally start an exercise routine, is because they get bored from not mixing up their workouts or because they don’t see motivating results– which is a matter of consistency, effort, and proper strategy…
Here are 3 ways you can ensure that you do not join the many, who start their workouts and fall off shortly after…
Join a gym
outdoor at the track is great in the summer, but depending on where you are, it may not be an all-year solution, and mother nature can easily play too big a part in your consistency.
Joining a gym also gives you more variety, space, and for many, this provides a healthier social and motivational aspect to your workouts…
How about setting up a home workout space?
For many, this does not work as well as intended, however, there are always some exceptions to the general rules. Before you go this route, you may want to ask yourself a few of the following questions:
- Do I have a motivating space to workout in?
- What are my distractions at home and will they hinder my workouts (spouse, kids, work etc.)
- Do I work well alone or am I more motivated being around others doing what I’m doing?
- Would it be healthier for me to leave the house to go workout?
- Will I have or pick up enough equipment to continue to progress in my workouts?
I do know a few people who workout effectively, consistently, and in a sustainable, progressive manner from home (although it is a very few and I’ve seen far too many treadmills at home turn into very expensive laundry hangers…).
Hire a trainer
Eventually, if you run the same routine over and over, you will get bored, and your body with get used to it– leading towards a lack of further physical progress. Even if it’s just for a few sessions, hire a coach.
Too expensive?
Before you go to this reasoning (which may or may not be as valid as you think) ask yourself this,
Am I spending money elsewhere that could be spent on a personal health investment? (cough, amazon shopping sprees, cough going out to eat, cough patio drinks, & shoe shopping…)
If you are truly on a tight budget (been there!), a different question you can ask yourself could be:
Can I offer a service exchange? Private entrepreneurs especially always need a helping hand.
Find a Coach or studio for online workouts and programming
Having an online workout program, or using an app can be effective for tracking, for remaining focused for a set time period i.e. 8 week fat-loss routine–
Although, if you do not learn to effectively workout– and enjoy your workouts without having to rely on a program, there may end up quite a few longer gaps in your workouts…
Closing thoughts
My last piece of advice for today is this: go in with the proper mind-set and the right expectations to succeed, from the beginning.
If you go into any new endeavor with the mindset of trying it out and seeing if it works, what you’re really telling yourself is this:
“It probably won’t work, I’m not going to give my best, and if it gets hard, I’ll give up– but at least I tried– for an unknown and undecided amount of time, so that’s okay”
It’s not exactly the epitome of someone willing to do what is required to succeed.
So, if you can make the commitment for 90 days, to give your full effort, to continue to show up, and to not give up and remain focused on your goal of getting healthier– you’ll give yourself the best chance to succeed in both the short and the long term.
At the very least, if you’re going to “try it out”, go in with the mindset, of “trying it out with consistent effort for 90 days before giving up”…
Now, go and schedule your first 5 workouts.
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out similar articles on the blog such as: 7 Workout Program Mistakes to Avoid