Six Easy Ways to Start Exercising
I recently heard someone say that personal trainers always preach to the converted. In other words, everything we talk about tends to focus on people already knowing about exercise and nutrition. In light of that, I want to talk to people who want to start exercising but don’t know how.
Here are six easy ways to start exercising.
1. Walk. If you’re starting from ground zero, the first step is simply to get up and go for a walk. If you never walk, start with an easy 10-15 minutes once a week. It’s that simple. The key is picking something you know you can do and building on it.
2. Be honest and realistic about your goals. So many people think they should “lose weight” or “get in shape” just because they think that’s what they’re supposed to do. Take the time to figure out what you really want and why, and you’ll have a much better chance of achieving it.
4. Have fun. Figure out something you like doing and do it. If you hate walking? Maybe that’s not for you. Don’t like lifting weights? Maybe that’s not for you. Remember, we’re just talking about getting started therefore make it something you enjoy so you’ll stick with it.
5. Keep it simple. I know this can be overwhelming but don’t let that get to you. It’s not as hard as some make it out to be. As a matter of fact, the simpler you make it, the better your chance of success.
6. Talk to someone. You know there are people who specialize in helping people who have never exercised and getting them started in a safe, fun, and effective way? Find someone you’re comfortable with, and that’s worked with others like you.
7. It’s about progress, not perfection. Everyone wants results, but feeling as if you’re far away from your ultimate goal makes it harder to get started. Just think about getting a little better on a consistent basis. It’s more realistic, and *BONUS* it’s actually better for you in the long run!
My motto is “The best thing you can get from a workout is the desire for another one.” If you start exercising with that in mind, you’re more likely to stick to it, and if you stick to it? Well, that’s when the results start happening.
