How to Get Started with Exercise:

A Step-by-Step Guide

Post date: 23 Sept 2023

TL:DR 30 second quick read version

Starting an exercise routine doesn't have to be intimidating. Here are some key tips:

Consult with a healthcare professional if you have health concerns.
Choose activities you enjoy to stay motivated.
Begin with low-intensity workouts and gradually increase intensity.
Address pain or discomfort with the help of a corrective exercise or physiotherapist
Create a consistent exercise schedule.
Focus on proper form to prevent injuries.
Include a variety of exercises to avoid boredom.
Listen to your body and rest when needed.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
Track your progress to stay motivated and set realistic goals.

Getting started exercising can be intimidating, especially if you're new to exercise or getting back into a routine after a break. However, taking the first steps toward a healthier, more active lifestyle doesn't have to be daunting. With the right approach, you can establish a sustainable exercise routine that will benefit your physical and mental well-being. Imagine feeling better within yourself, and about yourself and how you look.

In this article, we'll provide you with some tips on getting started.

Think about checking in with a healthcare professional

If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or your physician before starting a new exercise regime. They can provide personalised recommendations and ensure your exercise plan aligns with your health goals and limitations.

Choose activities you enjoy

Exercise should be enjoyable to keep you motivated over the long term. Explore different activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, strength training, dancing, or yoga until you find something you genuinely enjoy. The more fun you have, the more likely you'll stick with it.

Often walking is a great place to start. Its simple and free and you can easily measure your progress by distance or time. Once your fitness and confidence improves you might be more interested in exploring other activities.

Start slowly – establish a routine

Don't rush into an intense workout routine, especially if you're new to exercise. Begin with low-intensity workouts to build a foundation of fitness. For instance, start with 10-15 minutes of light exercise, like walking, three to four times a week. Gradually increase the duration and intensity as your fitness level improves.

Remember establishing a routine can be more important that the amount of exercise at the start.

What if I experience pain?

Some muscle soreness when starting out can be normal, especially if you started out a bit hard. If you experience significant pain in knees, hips, or feet for example, it may be due to muscle imbalances, restrictions, and misalignment in your body's muscles and tendons from inactivity, postural issues, working positions, and so on.

Consider working with a Corrective Exercise Specialist who can help with simple exercises you can do at home to relieve these issues so you can enjoy exercising and continue to build it up.

Create a schedule

Consistency is key to successful exercise. Create a weekly schedule that includes your chosen activities, and stick to it as closely as possible. Treat your exercise sessions like appointments you can't miss.

Focus on proper form

Pay attention to your form and technique during exercises to prevent injuries. If you're unsure about how to perform specific exercises correctly, consider working with a fitness trainer or using reputable online resources for guidance.

Include variety

If you’re prone to boredom try incorporating a variety of exercises into your routine. Mix cardio, strength training, flexibility, and balance exercises to keep things interesting and challenge different muscle groups.

Listen to your body

It's crucial to listen to your body and respect its signals. If you feel pain beyond normal muscle soreness or experience excessive fatigue, it's essential to rest and recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries and setbacks.

Consider corrective exercise

Often one of the reasons people aren’t consistent with exercise is that they experience pain or discomfort in their joints. For example maybe you experience knee, hip, ankle, or foot pain when walking. Consider consulting a Corrective exercise specialist. They can help you with simple exercises you can do at home to help overcome some of your body’s muscle imbalances, restrictions, or postural issues, and enable you to enjoy exercise consistently.

Stay hydrated and eat well

Proper nutrition and hydration are fundamental to support your exercise efforts. Stay well-hydrated throughout the day, and fuel your body with a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients to support your fitness goals.

Track your progress

Keep a workout journal or use fitness apps to track your progress. Document your achievements, whether it's walking longer distances, up steeper hills, lifting heavier weights, or achieving better flexibility. These small victories can provide motivation and encouragement.

Conclusion

Starting an exercise routine is a positive step toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. Remember that progress may be gradual, and setbacks can happen, but consistency and determination will lead to long-term success. By setting realistic goals, enjoying the process, and taking care of your body, you'll be well on your way to achieving your fitness aspirations and reaping the numerous benefits of regular exercise.