How to Get Started with Fitness
There’s a lot to fitness and getting started can be overwhelming with information everywhere and multiple ways to get the same result. If you’re feeling too overwhelmed, grab these best tips for getting started.
How to get fit for beginners
These tips are great for getting started and a reminder if you’ve been on a fitness journey before or for awhile now.
#1 create a specific and measurable goal. This way you know what you’re focusing on and can track your progress to see how you’re doing. It’s not enough to say you want to exercise more, eat healthy, or sleep more. It’s hard to see progress without the specifics. Set some SMART goals, but don’t overdo it. I recommend at most 3 goals. Even one solid goal to focus on will make a big difference.
#2 change one thing to your eating at a time. Getting started is already hard because it’s a change from your norm. Changing everything about your eating at once is just going to make it harder. When I work one on one with my clients, we start with one eating change, make it a habit, and then build upon it with another eating change. Say you aren’t quite ready to change what you’re eating. No problem, you can focus on how you’re eating. Do you eat lunch at your desk while working? Eat lunch at your desk, but put your phone away and then turn your computer screen off.
#3 start slow with exercise. One thing I see a lot is people wanting to go from zero to 60 on day 1. If you haven’t been exercising, start with 2-3 times a week instead of 6 times a week. We have to build a habit and routine around exercise. Feeling like you have to do too much too soon might leave you doing nothing at all. Again, the overwhelm. You can always add more, just remember that.
Try out this beginner hiit workout!
#4 get some accountability. When we check in with someone about our goals, we do a better job at sticking with it. Knowing someone else is supporting us helps. Find a friend, a family member, or an online community.
#5 hire a professional. A professional will help you navigate the fitness world, guide you, support you, and show you the things you need to focus on. They’re helpful at any point in your fitness journey and with most goals. But having them when you’re starting or starting back up can be crucial to your long-term success. They can help you build an exercise habit you enjoy, teach you how to eat well, and help you put everything together to create your healthy lifestyle.
I’d love to work with you! For one on one coaching, check out 4 Months to Fit. For a workout plan to follow, be sure to sign up for Fit and Lean Professionals monthly workout plan!
What’s your biggest barrier to getting started with your fitness goals? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time! -Atim
16 Responses
Agness of Fit Travelling
Such a great read and very practical tips, Atim! This post is an ultimate guide for all fitness beginners, but also for pro ones. 😉
Atim Effiong
Thank you Agness! I appreciate your feedback 🙂
Kimberly Hatting
Your comment about starting slow (#3) is spot-on. It’s great that so many people make New Year’s resolutions, but setting big goals (though ambitious) can be a train wreck if one tries to do too much too soon. Lots of great reminders here!
Atim Effiong
Totally agree. I think starting slow is the key to sticking with it.
Farrah
These are all such great tips for people who are just starting out! It can seem so overwhelming in the very beginning!
Atim Effiong
Completely agree. And a lot of times it is because there are so many directions one can go.
Vanessa
These are really great tips. Love the SMART goals and making small changes as to not get burnt out.
Atim Effiong
Thank you! I think the small changes is a big one for long-term success.
Rachel
Oh my gosh, great minds think alike! This is almost exactly what I presented at a goal-setting workshop a couple weeks ago!
Atim Effiong
Twins! That’s great. I think more people need to be sharing these messages/concepts!
Jenn
These are great tips! Too often, people go out too hard and too fast and just can’t maintain it for the longterm. It’s discouraging and they give up.
Atim Effiong
That’s so true. I think it’s hard sometimes because we believe we have to do it all in or not at all to get results. But it’s just not the case.
Andrea
Awesome tips! Such an important reminder that we were all new to this at one point.
Atim Effiong
So so true!
Wendy
I agree with everything here because you have outlined a gradual approach. The problem is that most people aren’t patient and want everything at once!
Atim Effiong
It’s so true, which makes it hard to navigate. I find that a lot with my clients.