Starting off in the fitness world when you have zero experience can be intimidating. You walk into the gym (or imagine doing a home workout) and everything seems complicated: the different machines, the various programs, people who have already got the basics down, and all the rest. But the truth is that everyone has to start somewhere, and it doesn’t have to be a perfectly executed first move; it just has to be a move that’s made.
Stop Waiting for the “Perfect Plan”
One of the first big mistakes many beginners make is that they don’t start until they believe they have the perfect day or workout program to follow, instead. The truth is that there isn’t a single perfect day or perfect program for beginners to do. You don’t need a perfect body. You don’t need advanced knowledge. You don’t need expensive equipment.
You just need a consistent, simple, beginner workout program that you can actually follow.
Start with Basic Movements
Your first objective isn’t to do an intense workout, it’s to learn how to control your body during simple movements. That means focusing on your body learning how to do basic movements like:
- squats
- push movements (such as push-ups)
- pulling movements (such as rows)
- core stability
You can think of these basic movements as foundational, the exercises you can learn at first, and which will eventually allow you to learn and do other more complicated exercises.
Don’t Go Too Hard at the Beginning
A common mistake among beginner exercisers is that they give 100% of their energy on their first day and then don’t go back again because they feel so terrible for the first few workouts. Instead, start with something lighter, practice better form, and keep workouts short and manageable. This will help your body adjust to a more regular fitness program. The goal isn’t to get strong as fast as possible, it is to stay strong for as long as possible.
Routine > Motivation
The reality is that motivation is inconsistent, as sometimes you have it, other times you don’t. Instead, rely on routine:
- Train two to four times per week.
- Select specific days that work best for you.
- Approach your scheduled workouts as appointments that you need to keep.
Even if workouts are shorter, if you can be consistent with them, it’s better than an inconsistent workout schedule with a lot of longer workouts.
Keep Track of Progress
You might not always see improvements in your workouts from day to day, but your body is always working, so don’t give up. If you don’t see your results, record it anyway. Look at strength improvements. Energy levels. How clothes fit. Performance.
When you can see your progress, it’s a lot more motivating to stay consistent!
Bottom Line
Starting your fitness journey doesn’t mean waiting until you’re completely ready, it means you’re starting now! You don’t have to have a perfect body, great strength, or years of experience. All you have to do is take that first step, and continue on your fitness journey from there.
A few weeks down the road, what’s difficult today will start to feel much easier! That’s where you’ll see real change begin.
