How to Get Started with the Right Fitness, Workout, or Exercise Plan!
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The 5 best places to start when you’re overwhelmed about beginning exercise or you just need some new ideas.
Eeek! Exercising! Where do I start?! I get it, you’re new to this fitness game and all the avenues and options can be, without a doubt, intimidating. Fear not! Here you’ll find good places to begin when you’re a newbie!
The perfect workout makes the journey to your fittest self that much sweeter!
I started my fitness journey early, beginning my sophomore year in highschool. Having had full time work and kids I had to begin again after 7 years off. Trust me when I say, starting is half the battle so I am stoked you’re here! In this post I’m sharing 5 of the best places, or ways, to start when you’re new to working out, or you’re just looking for a little inspiration.
So...here they are to get you going!
The Gym
First off, don’t be scared, fit folks truly do enjoy seeing new faces starting out, I know I do! In my world, a gym is a must for weight lifting and it’s a place I rely on to get away from outside life where I can stay focused. Signing up is reletively easy and cost is low, pay by month or annually, some as low as $35 a month to start (promo). Personal trainers are at your disposal to give you in depth understanding of what weights and machines will be the best to get you the results you’re looking for. In many facilities they will offer classes like cycling, dance, or step, you can attend with minimal extra cost. No shame in shopping around! Google gyms in your area, show up and ask for a tour. I love a gym that is spotless clean, has free weights, a good variety of cardio equipment, diverse set of weight machines, yoga mats and a big place to stretch. Also look for a good vibe! If you don’t feel welcome, leave and look elsewhere.
Home Exercise
Workout without the gym! There is a slew of DVDs to choose from anywhere from kick boxing, pilates (personal favorite), aerobics and many others. Personally I own yoga and pilates. The nice thing about these, you can do them in private whenever you want at your lesiere. Do one in the morning before work or waking kids and another in the evening or when you get off work. They can range anywhere from a short 15 minutes to a grueling 45 minutes. The thing about these as with any workout regime, stay consistent. Also, these will cost you far less then a gym membership. On the otherhand, you wont get the excitment and thrill quite like the atmosphere of a gym or variety it offers. If this is somewhere youd like to start here are some really good options that I have personally used:
Widnsor pilates - found new and used on ebay
Gaiam - great for those interested in yoga and pilates
Billy Banks Tae bo - kicking/punching easy to follow and beginner friendly
YouTube
In this 21st century we have everything on the internet and YouTube is no exception. Find anything you want ranging from morning meditations to heart pumping Zumba. Some of the above mentioned can also be found on YouTube. Here you have the freedom to choose pretty much anything you can imagine but again stay consistent once you do find somthing you like. The more you do it regularly the easier it becomes. This is your body getting stronger! Just for curiosity sake you can look through them, find one you like and start there. Add more as your body and time allows. Then, when you’ve gained cofidence in your bodies ability, venture to the gym and add weight lifting MY FAVORTIE!
Fitness Apps
Relatively new, these are a way to learn exercise styles and forms and get personal training via your phone. Workout routines and nutrition plans created for you. This may be a good way for you to better familiarize yourself with the specific exercises and exercise programs. My biggest complaint here is it could end up a major time waste and too much scrambling around to stay cosistent. My suggestion is to try one while also doing one of the above options if this sounds more your jam. Here are some high rated “Best” workout apps for women 2024 according to gargaegymreviews.com, and, my favorite, are weight training focused:
Caliber Strength Training - covers training and nutrition, personalized programs, private coaching, free and paid programs.
Future - Virtual training, very in depth but high cost at $200 a month.
iFIT - offers training for cardio, strength, yoga and pilates however does require iFIT-enabled equipment.
Nike Training Club - Most workouts taught by certified persons. Always free. Easy to use. Visul quality can be poor.
Aaptiv - best for beginners, goal based programs, strictly audio based classes.
Ladder - Progressive strength training. 1:1 coaching, 7 day free trial period.
Final thoughts,
The fitness world is vast and there are so many options it can be super scary when you don’t know where to go or what to do. I want you to have every option in front of you and know that you can START ANYWHERE. Do some homework and I would strongly recommend if you haven’t been active for some time start small. See your doctor so you can get the all clear for some strenuous activity. Below is also a great option where you have diet, exercise etc. all rolled into one!