Everyone has their own reasons to start exercising more. Maybe you want to lose weight, get toned, or just have more energy. Whatever your reasoning maybe it can be difficult to know where to get started. We live in an age where information is readily at our fingertips. Between the internet, infomercials, family and friends, advice on what's best for you is coming from every direction. You may find yourself surrounded by answers, but still have even more questions. So, what is a beginner to do?
1. Take it slow: Don't get too ahead of yourself. Just because you see other people at the gym who seem very physically advanced doesn't mean you need to be just yet. Start out slow. Progress takes time. You are not going to reach your ideal weight or your fitness goal overnight. You have to have patience and give it your all. Grab your tennis shoes and go for a 20-minute walk-all you have to do is trek 10 minutes then turn around and come back. That's it!
2. Make a plan: Get out your calendar and write down the exact days and times that you are going to get your physically activity in and then stick to it. Sticking to your plan might be the hardest part but look at it as an appointment with yourself. Being the best version of you should be your first priority, because if you aren't happy and healthy you can't be your best for your loved ones. This is one date you need to take seriously.
3. Recruit an accountability partner: Ever heard of the buddy system? Well, it works! Divulge to a friend or family member what your goals are so that they can help you to stay motivated while tracking your progress. Knowing that you have an accountability partner who will be checking in on you is going to give you an extra incentive to stay on track.
4. Make change to your diet: Begin making small changes to your diet and then stick with it for a couple of days in a row. Instead of soda, drink water. Swap your nightly cookie with a piece of fruit. Try it for 48 hours, and if it is something you can realistically continue begin to make small changes every week.
5. Be realistic: You can't expect perfection. No one has the perfect diet, and no one is perfect when it comes to exercise. Everyone misses a workout here and there or has a bad day and has to indulge in an unhealthy treat. If you make good choices 80 percent of the time, know that that is ok. The worst thing that you can do is adopt an "all or nothing" mentality. You will ultimately get overwhelmed and might even completely give up. Whether it's an ice cream on a hot day or a day when you just don't get the workout in, understand that it is only one thing and get right back on track.
Everyone is just trying to do their best and everyone was a beginner at one point. Don't beat yourself up or get overwhelmed-progress takes time and dedication, but progress is never without a couple of hurdles along the way. Take your time, make a plan and utilize your resources like the Gateway Region YMCA where there is an activity for every person at every stage of their physical fitness journey.
815385986
Visit their website to learn more about how the YMCA is a leader in providing a full-range of health and wellness programs for adults, youth, families and seniors in the community.
