Everybody has to start somewhere, am I right? It doesn’t matter if you’re starting a new job, starting a new relationship, or starting a new workout regimen. We are ALL beginners in one way or another at many, many times in our lives. But, you know what? Taking the leap into the unknown and starting is the very first step! That’s the beauty in starting something new, is you get to wear the whole “I’m new” nametag for the first little while. You don’t have to be an expert when you start, and you most certainly are allowed to start slow. Start where you are, how you are and you’ll get exactly where you need to be in due time.
For today’s post’s sake, let’s pretend that you’re starting a new workout regimen and you’re pretty clueless as to where to even start on day 1. Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got a few good tips to get your new adventure started off on the right foot. (At least from my own personal experience, mmmk?)
1.) Start with setting a weekly goal.
You can’t go all in full force killing yourself on day 1, or even week 1 at that. If you are able to set weekly “mini” goals you’ll be able to tackle those and boost your confidence to keep moving into the next week. (Literally and figuratively.) Write your mini goals down in your planner or on a post-it at your desk so that you can see them clearly all day everyday.
Once you have your weekly goals written out, write out your “longer” term goals and stick to a month as the max of the “long term”. What do you want to accomplish in 4 weeks?
Ex goal: Work out 4 times this week.
2.) Grab a motivational partner/trainer. (Long distance or in your area!)
It’s always helpful when you’re not the lone soldier on your new workout regimen. You NEED someone to push you when you don’t have the push in you to get going. You NEED someone to keep you accountable whether they’re joining you in your actual workout or supporting you long distance. There are tons of virtual fitness groups everywhere online that you can join and feel supported near and far. This is one of the reasons I love my accountability group because I’m able to check in with them, let them know how my day went and how they’re doing along the way. It makes a world of difference and surprises you with motivation throughout your journey just when you need it most. (P.S. Join my next group if you’d like to get started somewhere but don’t know where with an accountability partner! The more the merrier!!)
Don’t be afraid to ask for help in the beginning. If you’re starting at a new gym, ask one of the trainers to help you get started! Everyone is pretty clueless with some of those machines! I promise you’re not the only one when you ask for help on how to even get the thing going in the first place, much less get on!
Don’t push yourself too hard with too many reps either when you’re just getting started. Try doing 2 or 3 sets of 10 of each workout move you’re doing. Start with lighter weights and build up throughout the weeks as you get stronger. Challenge yourself though and make sure you’re actually working your muscles versus just taking it easy each and every workout.
3.) Personal Development reading/listening.
Start each and everyday with 5-10 minutes of personal development reading/listening. I never imagined that I would be one of those people that likes to listen to audio books or podcasts. But, whenever I started about a year ago, I was hooked from the first chapter/minute in. Personal development books range from unleashing your creative talents, to motivating you to get going no matter the circumstances. They vary from business development, to individual self talk to help get your mind right with each and every chapter. They really help you get going in the morning on those days where you’d rather just Netflix the day away and skip out on your goals. Getting your mental game straight is KEY in developing a new healthy lifestyle. It matters more than the physical part in my opinion. If you’re thinking right, your behaviors will follow!
Here are a few of my favorites:
*These aren’t all for “workout” motivation, but they all lead to being motivated in all areas of life!*
1.) Run, Selfie, Repeat Podcast
2.) The Lucious Living Podcast
3.) Runner’s World Podcast
4.) 10% Happier Podcast
5.) The Beautiful Money Podcast
1.) “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero (Seriously THE BEST P.D. book I’ve ever read!)
2.) “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg
3.) “Made to Crave” by Lisa Terkeurst
4.) “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon
5.) “Adventures for your Soul” by Shannon Kaiser
6.) “Beautiful Money” by Leanne Jacobs
4.) Gift yourself when you meet your goals for the month!
Once you’ve tackled 4 weeks full of your “mini” goals, you should gift yourself with something you’ve had your eye on! Do something that makes your heart soar and gives you joy to applaud yourself for your hard work. Maybe you enjoy pedicures or manicures or a day trip of shopping! Or, maybe you could gift yourself with a good solo hot yoga session at your favorite yoga studio! Maybe even take a special day trip with your favorite people to soak up the sun and disconnect from all things “life”. If you know that you have one of these planned in just a few short weeks, you’ll be able to dig deeper to keep going knowing what’s ahead. Ya know, keep your eye on the prize! Change it up each month and plan a new exciting “gift” for yourself once you reach your goals.
5.) Keep a training log.
Print out a calendar and write out the details of your workouts right when you wrap them up for the day so you can look back and see how far you’ve come. This will seriously come in handy when you look back to see just how far you’ve come since day 1. It’s always fun to see what you started with and what you end up with just a month in, or even 2! This one is my personal favorite. It’s even got tips on workouts and journaling note pages.
And there you have it! Are you ready to get your workout on? Why not start TODAY? Monday’s are the best for starting fresh with new goals and plans for the future. I hope these help at least spark some ideas in your head as to where to start and how to keep going along the way. If you’re ever in need of some help or have any questions on health and fitness, feel free to send me an email at chelseactive@gmail.com. I’m always more than happy to help!
Questions for YOU:
(Comment Below!)
1) What’s one thing you’ve recently been a “beginner” at?
I just started my first ever month-long run streak. Although, I’m not a beginner runner, I’m definitely new at logging at least 1 mile each and every single day. It’s so much fun doing something I’ve never attempted to do before!
2.) Do you have a journal? Have you ever tried the bullet journey before?
3) What’s your favorite read as of lately?
As always, From Chelsea