Starting an exercise program or routine can be overwhelming. There are so many options and sometimes a very unclear path to follow. For years I’ve been helping clients and friends start and continue their exercise programs. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just follow these four EASY steps.
Step 1:
Decide what’s feasible for you to do. If it’s a 10-minute walk, three times a week – that’s great! Pick something you can be successful at. Don’t go from the couch to committing to working out for 60 minutes, five days a week. That’s probably not sustainable long term. You can work up to that type of a goal, but your body is probably not ready for that! Some ideas of activities include: 10-minute walk, 30-minute class, 20 minutes of bodyweight exercises, 15 minutes of stretching, 20 minutes of swimming or water walking, walking the stairs at work for 10 minutes or a 15-minute online workout video.
Step 2:
Schedule your workout session in your calendar. If you don’t, the day will slip by, and you will be too exhausted to do anything!
Step 3:
Make an agreement with yourself that even if you miss an exercise session or two – you won’t stop. Get back into the routine as soon as you can.
Step 4:
Find a workout buddy to join you. If that isn’t feasible, then let someone in your world know what you are trying to do. That individual will probably bring your exercise routine up, which will help you stay accountable to the program.
Just start. That’s the hardest part. Don’t focus on where you want to be six months from now – focus on doing what you planned on doing for each week. Take it one week at a time.
I’m including some of my favorite beginner workouts below. Feel free to give one of those a try if you don’t know what to do. Also, if you are feeling stuck or need some advice, comment below – I’m happy to help you brainstorm some ideas!
At Home Beginner Weightlifting Workout
