Tips for Taking On the Health and Fitness Scene as a Newbie

The world of fitness is an energizing one. Community centric, goal-oriented… the list goes on. It is something that can only truly be understood when you are on a health and fitness journey of your own. While some health and fitness spaces may seem exclusive at first glance, others are composed of the warmest and welcoming people, practices, and processes. However, even in the most inclusive of fitness spaces, a first-timer still has to overcome the biggest barrier of them all: themselves. 

If you are new to the health and fitness space, or if you are jumping back in with a newfound commitment to change your lifestyle, you may be in the process of immersing yourself in the community and practices that you seek to adopt as your new normal. The journey is not an easy one and requires a lot of patience, acceptance, and risk-taking. It is also dependent on an open mindset that invites challenge and change. 

All in all, it isn’t easy. Insightful trainers, an enthusiastic fitness community, and a yearning to create sustainable change for yourself will be of help to anyone freshly embarking on a health and fitness journey. However, there are a few additional things that one can do on their own to transform from a beginner in the fitness scene to a renowned veteran of confidence and expertise. 

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY 

Finding a group of people that are supportive, energized, and excited by health and fitness will do unspeakable things to your personal health and fitness journey. COVID-19 poses some challenges to the “traditional” way in which people typically form and invest in their fitness community. Luckily, we live in the 21st century where virtual communities are far from a foreign concept. Connect with a local gym online and workout virtually alongside people that are as stoked as you are to break a sweat at home!

IMPLEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES 

Accountability is the difference between being a newbie to the fitness scene one time and having multiple “first days”. If you are someone who has started their journey over and over again, it is time that you introduce ways to hold yourself accountable. Working with a knowledgeable and passionate trainer is an easy way to do just this. Getting started with a trainer one-on-one will help to form the foundational behaviors you need to continue your health and fitness journey in your home and in every part of your life.

JOURNAL YOUR JOURNEY 

Sometimes, it will take some time to notice the progress that you make in your health and fitness journey. Not getting immediate results is not a reason to slow down or stop what you are doing. Journaling through this evolutionary space is a great way to keep track of your progress, giving you all the reason to celebrate your growth as you move from workout newbie to renowned health and fitness veteran. 

OVERCOME YOUR FEAR OF FITNESS

The fitness scene can be intimidating, especially for a first-timer. It is important to acknowledge that every fitness guru, powerlifter, kickboxing champion and all-star athlete was once a beginner. Overcoming your fear of fitness may take time, just keep your goal in mind and challenge yourself to think differently about what it means to be a beginner in this space. 

HYDRATE, STRETCH & REST

It is crucial to drink enough water, to stretch before and after working out, and to get adequate sleep as someone who is just starting out on their health and fitness journey. Prioritizing hydration, flexibility, mobility, and recovery will create the foundation that your body needs to make progress. Additionally, one of the best things that you can do as a beginner is to establish behaviors that promote proper hydration, daily stretching, and sufficient sleep as habits. This will benefit your health and fitness in the long run (and in more ways than one)!