If you have never started a new fitness routine before, it can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, it gets easier.
Even if you are incredibly motivated when you first begin, it can be nerve-wracking if you have no idea what to expect from your fitness journey. Although, there are a few things you can do to help make your new fitness routine a smooth path to success. The most important thing to note is that it is all about consistency and figuring out how to have fun while doing it.
Here, we look at some super helpful tips to help you to get the most out of your fitness routine while staying safe at the same time.
Slow and steady wins the race
It can be tempting to dive full speed into something but when it comes to exercise, it does not work like that. Or, at least, it’s not helpful. You need to build up your fitness slowly and steadily to get the best results, prevent injury and overwhelm, as well as finding something that works for you.
Before planning on a two hour weight lifting session or booking your space in that marathon, spend some time building up the basics – the importance of quality of movement, eating right, warming up and cooling down effectively, and so on, cannot be overstated. You need to learn these things, or your new fitness routine will be short lived.
Ask for help
Assuming you are working out in a gym, do not be afraid to ask the gym staff questions or hire a personal trainer to show you how to do movements correctly and safely. This will help you to create a routine that works for you – they are literally there for that purpose!
Don’t compare yourself to others
THIS IS HUGE!!!! It is hard when you are in a crowded gym and the person next to you spends an hour running at full pace on the treadmill while you struggle with ten minutes. The chances are that at the beginning of their fitness journey they were exactly the same! And it’s possible that they don’t know what they are doing… You should ask them.
Exercise is one thing you cannot measure against someone else’s achievements as it is incredibly personal. Focus on you and the achievements and improvements that you are making.
However, if you can befriend someone that is a few steps ahead of you, that can be one of the quickest ways to improve.
Have a recovery plan in place
Injury is common when doing any kind of movement. In fact, the results you want are caused by small injuries to your muscles that cause them to come back stronger.
Having a plan in place to help you recover is important. Getting enough sleep, and eating the right (and right amounts) of foods is paramount in preventing injury and coming back stronger.
You can even help prevent injury with tools like kt athletic tape, which will give you additional support. For example, you can use kt athletic tape to support fingers, wrists, and I’ve even used it help align my body after therapy sessions or protect my hands after tears from pull ups. It’s something that should live in your gym bag at all times.
Fuel your body properly
You will not be able to maintain a quality exercise routine if you are not giving your body the fuel it needs for energy. Good foods to eat before and after exercise include perfect aminos, bananas, oatmeal and egg whites. We are basically trying to load up with high quality amino acids (proteins), carbs, and keep fats low. This will give you quick energy without making you feel weighed down by fats that are slower to digest.
Also, do not forget the hydration – plenty of water to replace the water you lose by sweating is vital. We recommend getting around .5 to .75 ounces of water per pound of ideal body weight per day. If you’re not drinking this much water now… just this will make you feel better immediately.
These tips will hopefully help you start up your brand new fitness routine smoothly and safely. But if you have more questions… just ask!
