With the new year, lots of people make the resolution to be more active or start exercising regularly. To truly embark on a successful fitness journey, it’s important for you personally, to understand the best ways to start working out. Whether you prefer exercising at home or in the gym, establishing a solid foundation is key to achieving your goals.
Introducing Myself
Before we chat more about the best ways to start working out, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Albina Katsman, the creator of BodyByBina, a Pilates Strengthening workout that emphasizes slow-paced, low-impact movements using light equipment. With over a decade of experience in the Health and Wellness World, I’m still an enthusiastic practitioner. You can catch my sessions in person or even online. The online platform is actually perfect for athletes who are making their journey back into the exercise world as it provides them the ability to workout anytime & anywhere, the privacy that they need, ability to adjust to their personal schedule, and the time to do it whenever they feel like it! Best part is that each session is no more than 45 minutes long! What’s holding you back from a beginning pilates routine? Check out more here.
Creating a Solid Plan
The essential aspect of any successful fitness journey is making a plan. Sorry but you can’t run away from this one. Dedicate yourself to a schedule and stick to it. Choose two to three specific days and times that fit seamlessly into your routine. If you’re struggling to find time for yourself, even one day a week can make a significant impact, but it’s up to you to make it count.
Before heading to the gym and lifting weights, ensure you know what you’re doing. Jumping into heavy lifting without proper guidance often leads to boredom at the gym, lack of results, or worse, injuries. Instead, start with bodyweight exercises to build a foundation. Consider joining a workout class as a starting point. Professional guidance, constant attention, and the camaraderie of fellow fitness enthusiasts can make a substantial difference. In my fitness journey, group fitness sessions in college played a huge role. I loved having teachers guide me, provide modifications for beginner pilates exercises, and made the experience not feel like I’m actually working out.
Gradual Progression
As you build strength and knowledge about fitness and your body, progress to a personalized gym plan and routine with a professional. For weight training, having a trainer design a workout routine ensures efficiency, effectiveness, and safety. This personalized approach enhances your understanding of your body’s needs and optimizes your workout sessions.
When you start working out do you gain weight?
The trickiest question in the game – it’s a yes and no scenario, depending on your goals. A month or two into your exercise routine, you might notice changes in your body composition. If your aim is to build muscle and tone through strength training and proper nutrition, weight gain could be the outcome. On the other hand, your clothes might feel looser while the scale stays the same or even shows a few pounds more. Conversely, if your focus is on shedding weight with cardio exercises and a slight caloric deficit, the numbers on the scale should head downward, if you are being true and honest to your process.
However, let’s shift the focus. Instead of fixating on the scale, consider how your body feels post-workout. How much better do your clothes fit? How’s your energy level throughout the day? This sense of accomplishment you feel is a more meaningful measure of progress than the digits on the scale.
Don’t forget to rest!
Another crucial aspect often overlooked is recovery. While working out is vital, giving your body the rest it needs is equally important. Taking a day off can actually enhance the results your body is striving for. Overtraining is so 2015 – the current trend is smart, efficient workouts that yield effective results. Trust me, this process works.
Are you ready to get into it?
In summary, don’t just “start” your fitness journey; do it with purpose. Consider these best ways to start working out as a roadmap to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Whether you choose to exercise at home or in the gym, establishing a solid plan, incorporating beginner pilates exercises, and gradually progressing with professional guidance will set you on the path to success.
It’s time to make this year the beginning of a healthier and stronger you.
