Starting a new workout program with the intent of incorporating healthier habits into your lifestyle is a great first step towards becoming a better version of yourself. There are all sorts of benefits from exercise that range from physical benefits to mental ones.
However, you need to make sure that you set yourself up for success in order to reap the benefits of exercise. If you move too quickly, you risk overwhelming yourself. Just like a building needs to have a strong foundation to stand the test of time, so does your workout program.
Here are some of the best tips for successfully starting a brand new workout program.
Start Slow
Even though you might be tempted to dive into your fitness program and go full throttle, you can injure yourself. Start slowly and gradually work your way up to a higher intensity. Although a lot of people choose to start working out five to six days a week right off the bat, it often ends too giving up on your workout program early.
Start small, working out two to three times a week, and as your resistance starts to build, search to incorporate a few more workouts into your week. Above all, pace yourself, and listen to your body. If anything feels sore, take a break and stop working that muscle. The last thing you want is a serious injury that could result in you having to quit your workout altogether.
Take Before Photos
One of the biggest motivators is seeing your progress. Take pictures of yourself before you start your workout, and after a month or two of working out, revisit your photos and admire all of the progress you’ve made. Some people rely too heavily on the scale, and if the scale isn’t showing them the kind of numbers that they want, they assume that they’re not making progress.
However, sometimes photos are much more revealing than the scale itself. In many cases taking a photo of yourself can show just how many inches you’ve lost, which may not always necessarily translate into pounds.
Find a Buddy
Finding an exercise buddy is a great way to stay accountable, and have a little company while you’re working out. Whether it’s someone you met in a group fitness class at the gym, or an old friend who has similar fitness goals, having a buddy helps you stay motivated to get it done. Whether you opt to do your workouts together, or you simply check in every workout day to share whether you followed through with your workout or not, find a buddy who will support your workout efforts, and do the same for them in return!
