It is that time again, the Monday after New Years. Everyone is trying to get back into their regular routine and those that made fitness resolutions this year are starting to head to the gym. If you are a frequent gym user, you are nervous about the first few weeks in January, but this post is not for you. It is for those people that are trying to make a positive lifestyle change, those that are making that resolution to get in shape, lose weight or in some other way improve their health. If you are one of those people please read on.
If you are not a frequent gym user and are starting that lifestyle change and making a resolution to become more healthy, to make your health a priority this year, congratulations. You won’t regret making this decision. It pays off huge dividends along the way.
The biggest obstacle, barrier if you will, you need to overcome is the habit change. If you have not been a regular exerciser and have not really done any real exercise since grade school the first few weeks in any fitness program will be a shocker to your system.
But don’t give up. We want to prove to all of those naysayers that say resolutioners will be gone in a few weeks.
Like I said above you need to build the habit of exercise first. Too many people have the mentality that when they get into the gym they should “go big or go home” that is not the case. Going too hard the first little while may make you think you are doing good but you could get hurt or push yourself to the point where you don’t like exercising.
Just start with small amounts of exercise just enough so that you feel more energized (like a brisk walk for 15-20 minutes). Once you are able to do that on a regular basis (2-3 times a week) for a month or so then you can add in other exercises or make the sessions longer or more intense.
Look at it this way, if you are doing nothing right now 15-20 minutes is a lot better than nothing. If you tried exercising previously and ended dropping out after a few weeks think back as to why. By starting off slow you are setting yourself up for success.
Next thing is to only do exercises that you enjoy doing and only do them at a comfortable pace. If you don’t like the treadmill then don’t go on it. By doing exercises you enjoy doing you are more likely to stick with your program.
If you don’t know how to use a machine, do an exercise or the unspoken rules of the gym you should look at hiring a personal trainer.
They will get you to where you need to be a lot faster and a lot safer than if you tried to figure it out on your own.
Don’t be the person in one of those gym fail videos on Youtube
Try the 15-20 minutes of some sort of exercise for the first few weeks. You can always add more in as you go and this way you will keep the positive feelings around exercise instead of associating exercise with soreness and pain.
Any exercise, as long as it is being done correctly, even in small amounts will be well worth your time and effort.
Check back later this week for part two of New Year Fitness Resolution tips.
Stay Strong!
