One of the biggest obstacles most people face when wanting to start an exercise routine is knowing where to start!
There are so many options out there and it can be overwhelming to know how to start on the right foot.
I decided to break down the 5 things that helped me get started and helped me be successful instead of falling off after two days 😅
Five Tips for Starting an Exercise Routine
1. Take before pictures and measurements
A lot of times we stop an exercise routine because we aren't seeing any progress - but that's because we didn't give ourselves a starting point!
I didn't take pictures when I first started working out, but I wish I would've to be able to see the full picture.
Don't worry you don't have to share them - these are just for your eyes so you can see the progress!
While it's important to weigh yourself, I would say it's even more important to measure yourself!
I saw my best results in how many inches I lost and honestly, it was more steady than my weight loss!
Weight depends on a lot of different factors (water, digestion, hormone levels, etc.) so also having measurements helps you have an accurate picture of your journey.
How to measure:
Arms: Measure around the largest part of the arm above the elbow
Chest: Stand with your feet together and torso straight, and find the widest part around your bust
Waist: Measure a half-inch above your belly button or at the smallest part of your waist
Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips
Thighs: Measure around the biggest part of each thigh
I have my clients measure at the beginning of working together then again at three months into our program, and then at the end of our six months together! You don't need to measure every day! Give your body time to process the results, if anything feel free to follow my model of measuring after 3 months of doing your new workout!
2. Set your intention/why
One of the things that people forget to do when they are starting a workout routine is write down why they are starting.
And no, wanting abs is not a good enough reason!
You will drive by a Chick-fil-a or even be too tired one day and decide you will get abs a different day!
You need to be vulnerable with yourself and think about why you want to start:
Is it because you have a family history of people dying early and you don't want that?
Do you want to be able to do the things you enjoy when you are older?
Do you want to be around for a long time?
Do you want to feel better in your skin?
It could be anything, but make sure you go deep and keep asking yourself why!
3. Pick workouts you enjoy
So many people decide to do a workout routine but then pick workouts they hate!
Listen, you are already making a huge change! Make it a little easier for yourself and pick workouts you like!
If you don't like HIIT - don't start with that! Do you prefer walking? Biking? Yoga?
Pick something you enjoy (or don't hate) so that it's easier to start.
For example, I hate running. It's not my favorite and I'm still working on my mindset around it. But I enjoy HIIT and strength workouts so I started with a routine that let me do various things.
Feel free to try some different programs, you could try in-person or virtual and see what you like best!
4. Cute workout clothes
This one is fun! Who doesn't love getting new clothes?
If you have cute clothes (sports bra/leggings, etc) you are going to be more excited to work out since you get to look cute!
The baggy t-shirt and shorts work if you have to, but I find when I feel cute I'm more motivated and enjoy working out much more!
Bonus points: Set your workout clothes out the night before so that you don't have to deal with more decisions before working out. It's also a great reminder that you committed to workout that day!
One of my favorite places to get affordable workout clothes is Senita: use this link to get 15% off! Seriously love these clothes - so cute, comfortable, and affordable! #winwinwin
5. Find an accountability buddy
Finally, you won't be motivated every day. That's okay and that's life!
Set yourself up for success though by finding someone who will check in with you and you can check in with them to make sure you are sticking to your goals!
Be sure to tell them what your goal is so that they can help you stick to it.
Decide on whether you want to text each other or do your workouts together!
It's a lot easier to stay on top of your goals when you know someone will be checking in with you and asking if you did what you said you would.
If you don't have someone in mind - let's chat! One of the best things about having a health coach is that I am your accountability buddy! Schedule a free chat to see if we'd be a good fit for each other.
Remember, it's okay to miss a day - just don't miss twice!
You can do hard things!
Shaina Joyce
These are all such great tips! Finding your why is definitely the one I need to work on. In the past my "why" has always been very superficial which made it easy to fall back on poor habits and made me feel ashamed when I didn't hit my goals.
I think finding a better and healthier why will allow me to focus better and allow me to give myself more grace on my health journey!
Thanks for sharing!