Even the experts were once beginners. They recognize that and understand the struggle that comes with trying to lead a better, healthier lifestyle. They also understand that it is a marathon, not a sprint.
That is why these experts can speak to what it takes to get in the right mindset to find physical fitness. They know what it is like to start at the beginning and work their way up and they want you to know that this journey is not one that happens overnight.
Here are a few helpful hints from the experts.
Be Clear About Your Goals
Understanding the why and how of getting in shape is just as important as the act itself. This is important because it helps you to set goals for yourself when starting out. Knowing why you are doing it – to be in better shape, to prolong your life, to feel better about yourself – will let you set those goals.
Knowing the how – talk a half hour walk each night, run for 15 minutes, etc. – will give those goals depth and make them feel more real and attainable. Planning out things in your life are always more helpful than going into them blind and in this case, a plan will help you see your goals more clearly.
Pace Yourself
One of the most common instances that occur when someone begins working out is that they don’t see immediate results or push themselves far too hard out of the gate. This leads to discouragement, which leads to quitting, which leads to going back to the old lifestyle.
Everyone has to start somewhere. Perhaps a 30-minute workout three nights a week is the place to start. Maybe even less than that. Again, starting at your own level is important to avoid over-exertion and discouragement.
Find Your Support System
As with most things in life, doing them alone makes them all the more difficult. That is why it is important to find a support system that understands your goals and does all it can to help you along to those goals.
It could be in the form of a workout partner or simply in the form of someone who appreciates that you are doing all that you can to better yourself. In any event, that support system will help keep you afloat on days where you feel like it might not be worth it.