January is here and there’s no better time to start your fitness journey you’ve been putting off then now. It often comes with a fair share of uncertainty, but could also be a great new fun challenge. The first step is always figuring out exactly what you want to achieve and the specific actions needed to get there. Whether it’s building strength, improving endurance, losing weight, or simply feeling healthier, understanding your goals allows you to create a roadmap for success. This clarity not only boosts your chances of achieving your goals but also helps you stay motivated along the way.
Building A Strong Foundation:
When starting this journey keeping things simple is key for longevity. Begin with realistic, attainable goals to build momentum and confidence. Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy or are newly interested in. It could be walking, dancing, swimming, lifting weights, anything to make consistency easier. Remember it’s okay to start small and it won’t always be immediately rewarding. Even 20 minute workouts a few times a week can make a big difference over time. Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek guidance. Hiring a trainer may seem hard to think it’s worth it but weigh your investment into them and compare it to how much your goal really means to you. Even just asking experienced friends for advice can provide valuable support as you get started.
Master the Basics and Embrace Progress:
Once you’ve set your goals and found a rhythm, incorporating more structured training can help you level up. Beginners should focus on mastering the basics of learning proper form, weight transfer, mobility and balancing workouts with adequate recovery before starting to really increase intensity. Mix up your fitness and physical activities to not only prevent boredom but also to train reducing the risk of injury. Something like pairing strength training with hiking or yoga can improve overall fitness and keep your routine engaging. I say it a few times here and there throughout my articles but only because I mean it: celebrate small wins. You should be able to track your progress and feel good about yourself as long as you don’t throw yourself off the path. Even minor improvements, like lifting a little heavier than usual or running longer distances, can show that you’re moving in the right direction.
Motivated Kindness:
Staying motivated is often the biggest challenge when pursuing any type of goal. Motivation is a big driving factor but can’t always be relied on to keep going as sometimes you’re really not gonna wanna work at it. To keep yourself on track, remind yourself of your “why”, the reason you started in the first place. Keeping your “why” close by makes the journey way easier. Measure your progress with little milestones and reward yourself for achieving them. Another way is to find a fitness buddy or join a supportive community to stay accountable and make the process more enjoyable. Most importantly, be kind to yourself throughout this new challenging but fun journey. It’s okay to have setbacks, what matters is how you bounce back and continue striving towards your goals.
#unleashthepotential
Written by:
Dan Aquino
BS, ASFA-CPT
Take action… Now!
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