Embarking on the Journey
Beginning your journey to physical fitness can feel like standing at the foot of a mountain, unsure of where to take the first step. But fear not – every journey starts with a single step, and we’re here to guide you through the process. In this article, we’ll explore where to start with physical fitness, offering actionable advice to kickstart your journey to a healthier, stronger you.
Assess Your Current Fitness Level
Know Where You Stand:
Before diving into a fitness regimen, take stock of your current fitness level. Assess your strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and any specific areas of weakness or limitation.
Another way to assess your fitness level is to ask yourself “how long has it been since I was in shape?” Or “how long ago was it the last time I exercised?” Both of these questions can help determine what is the appropriate way to get started.
Fitness Assessment Tools:
Consider using fitness assessment tools such as body composition measurements(Inbody), strength tests(such as these) , and flexibility assessments(can you touch your toes white standing?) to get a baseline understanding of your physical capabilities.
If you have never worked out or trained before then you won’t have a great way to assess where you are. And that is okay. You just need to be aware that you don’t have a lot of knowledge in physical fitness. In this case it might be more efficient to book with a gym that can help you on your physical fitness journey.
Set Realistic Goals
Define Your Objectives:
Identify specific, measurable goals that you want to achieve with your fitness journey. Whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscle, improving cardiovascular health, or enhancing athletic performance, having clear objectives will help keep you focused and motivated.
These objectives also keep you motivated! Write them where you can see them every day, or if you are training at a gym – tell your coach what you are hoping to achieve. Some people prefer to put this out for the world and post on social media. Pick something that will help you stay on track.
SMART Goals:
Ensure your goals are SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get in shape,” a SMART goal would be, “I want to lose 10 pounds in three months by exercising three times a week and following a balanced diet.”
Focus on Proper Nutrition
Fuel Your Body:
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting your fitness goals. Focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
You can’t outtrain a bad diet. As you age it becomes even more important to dial in your nutrition.
Hydration:
Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Dehydration can impair exercise performance and hinder recovery, so aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
This is a great book that discusses hydration coupled with salt intake to ensure you stay hydrated. (THE SALT FIX).
Gain Knowledge and Understanding
Educate Yourself:
Take the time to learn about different aspects of fitness, including exercise physiology, nutrition principles, and training methodologies. Utilize reputable sources such as books, online articles, and certified fitness professionals to expand your knowledge base.
Some great books to read so that you can practical knowledge fast – The Naked Warrior, Power to the People, both written by Pavel, and Kettlebell – The Complete guide for Athletes and Coaches.
Experiment and Learn:
Experiment with different types of workouts, training modalities, and dietary approaches to discover what works best for you. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things as you continue to learn and grow on your fitness journey.
The previously mentioned books can get you started. They can help you get moving -maybe you like bodyweight training or kettlebell training – or maybe you hate them – but at least you started training!
Consider Hiring a Coach
Expert Guidance:
Consider hiring a coach to provide personalized guidance, support, and accountability. A knowledgeable coach can help you design an effective workout program, teach proper exercise techniques, and tailor your training to suit your individual needs and goals.
A good coach can also tweak your plan if necessary incase there are any bumps in the road – or if your goals change!
Accountability and Motivation:
Having a coach can provide accountability and motivation to stay on track with your fitness goals. They can help you overcome obstacles, celebrate achievements, and navigate challenges along the way.
Join a Fitness Community
Find Support:
Joining a fitness community or group can provide camaraderie, support, and motivation on your journey to physical fitness. Whether it’s a local gym, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym, or online fitness forum, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can make the journey more enjoyable and rewarding.
Group Workouts:
Participating in group workouts can add an element of fun and socialization to your fitness routine. Group classes, small group personal training, and fitness challenges offer opportunities to connect with others who share similar goals and interests.
Taking the First Step
In conclusion, starting your journey to physical fitness begins with a commitment to taking the first step. By assessing your current fitness level, setting realistic goals, prioritizing proper nutrition, gaining knowledge and understanding, considering hiring a coach, and joining a fitness community, you can lay a solid foundation for success. Don’t wait! Go for a walk today or do some push ups but get moving – the best time to start is now!
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