Starting your fitness journey

Naturally, the beginning of the year offers the perfect chance to make a change in our health and fitness. After indulging over the holidays, January provides an opportunity to hit the reset button and begin the year with a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

In fact, as people sit down towrite their New Year’s resolutions, committing to a healthier lifestyle has become a priority, with most of us vowing to improve our fitness.

But for those new in this space, figuring out where to start can be challenging and even overwhelming. To give some direction, we’ve explored 4 ways to kickstart your fitness journey today, and why each approach might be the perfect fit for you.

Hire a personal trainer

If you’re completely new to the gym and not sure where to start, hiring a personal trainer is could be the easiest way to get up to speed.

The main reason to hire a personal trainer is that they come with the knowledge and experience to create a tailored program based on your ability and goals. No need to worry about which exercises you should do or how your work out plan should be structured – things that will be alien to most beginners!

What’s also great about 1-1 coaching is that you have an experienced professional on-hand to explain how each exercise should be performed, giving immediate feedback when something’s not right. Performing movements correctly is essential to making progress, but more importantly it prevents you from getting injured.

You should always feel comfortable to ask questions and toss around new ideas with your personal trainer as they will tailor your program to suit you!

Don’t make the mistake of thinking a personal trainer is for life and that you’re locked in a contract forever. They provide you with a foundation so you can go your own way once your training block has finished. While some people prefer the constant accountability, it’s not for everyone!

Group classes

For those that thrive in a group environment, group classes might be your golden ticket. Classes offer a more social vibe, cultivating a sense of community that keeps motivation high. 

Group classes accommodate all levels, with weight and intensity varying based on ability. While you won’t have the tailored program like with a personal trainer, class instructors are available to answer questions and offer support whenever needed.

There are a variety of different classes to choose from the well-known options like yoga, Zumba, and spin, along with classes that will be specific to your gym – so you won’t be stuck to find something that fits your needs.

Next time you’re down at your local gym, ask what classes they have on and give one a go! 

Work out partner 

Chances are you will either know someone who goes to the gym or know someone that wants to start going. If so, it might be a good idea to reach out and ask if they want to go with you. 

Going with a friend, even if it’s just to get you through the door, can make the beginner experience less intimidating and more enjoyable. While they may not be a certified trainer, they can help with the basics and build your confidence.

Working out together can spark some friendly competition, driving each other to get better while creating an environment for experimenting with different approaches to training. Who knows, you might discover something like that you may not have tried without a partner!

Hitting the gym solo to can be tough, especially when you’re tired and lacking motivation.You might find that having a workout buddy is good for both of you – someone you don’t want to let down can be the motivation you both need to keep showing up.

“80% of success is just showing up” 

Create your own plan

With health and fitness being so popular these days, there is a plethora of material online for beginners looking to start their fitness journey. A quick google search produces an array of sample workouts that you can pick and choose from to create your own program.

However, there are a couple of things to consider when creating a workout plan.

Keep it simple. Don’t pick a program that demands 5 days a week with 20 exercises each day. Find one that’s easy to follow. This could be a straightforward full-body workout 2-3 days a week. Not overcomplicating your routine is key to sticking with it and making it enjoyable rather than a chore.

Create a plan you enjoy. Whether it’s home workouts or outdoor interval training, you’ll find nearly every kind of routine is available online. Experiment with different types until you settle on one that’s fun and has you looking forward to your next workout.

Be careful of form. As mentioned earlier, performing movements incorrectly can result in injury and exercising on your own means you don’t have anyone to correct you. Fortunately, YouTube offers tutorials for almost every exercise, so it’s worth watching a video first to demonstrate the correct way before having a go yourself.

All set?

The truth is, there is no ‘correct’ approach; what works best for you will depend on your individual preferences and circumstances.

The 4 approaches mentioned above will stand you in good stead as you embark on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Experiment with each until you discover the one that brings you the most enjoyment, giving you the best chance of sticking with it. 

Taking the first step can be daunting and is typically the hardest. However, as you begin to build confidence, you’ll realise that the goals you’ve set can be achieved,which is a truly empowering feeling.

Remember, everyone starts as a beginner.