Every year, gyms notice a spike in memberships in January as people vow to become more fit. Unfortunately, those spikes wave at startling speeds. Some studies show it dropping off as early as midway through the month!
What this shows is a truth most people know: committing to an exercise routine is difficult. For people living busy lives, finding time to exercise can be a workout in itself.
Even when people make the time, they often find that they’re more out of shape than they realized. This realization leaves them discouraged.
The solution? Find a beginner exercise routine that sets a comfortable pace for you to grow. People often try to do too much when they start working out, not knowing how to achieve their goals.
In this guide, we hope to change that! Use the tips provided below to develop your best beginner exercise routine.
Set a Goal for Your Beginner Exercise Routine
Before you do anything else with your workout routine, you must set a goal. Many people fail to establish a reliable exercise routine because they don’t have a specific objective they hope to attain. Instead, they chase a vague idea of “being healthier” or “getting in shape.”
Your goal should be a measurable, attainable objective. For example, if your goal is to look thinner, you could set a goal of losing fifteen pounds. If you want to get into better shape, you may find it helpful to set ability-related goals.
For example, you may set a goal of raising your bench press max by ten pounds by the end of the month. If you have wanted a cardio for beginners workout, you could set a goal of running two miles by the end of the month.
Goals do more than make our workouts more efficient. Scientific research shows that when we achieve our goals, it helps keep us motivated. It does so by releasing a dopamine rush that makes us feel energetic and happy.
Finding a Workout You Enjoy
If you have fitness-loving friends, they may preach the benefits of programs like CrossFit or yoga classes. They may love these activities, but that doesn’t mean you will. This enjoyment factor matters, as you’re more likely to stick with workouts you enjoy.
So, spend some time reflecting on what physical activity you like doing. Do you love being outside in nature, walking up hiking trails? Do you enjoy a friendly sports match?
You may also enjoy overcoming physical challenges, learning you can do something that you couldn’t a month ago. Whatever the case is, find a workout activity that incorporates these passions.
Once you find a workout program, you may also like to check your progress. If you want to track your development, consider using an app that monitors your performance.
Put Your Workout on the Calendar
When you try out your beginner exercise routine, mark it on the calendar like any other appointment. Schedule around it; don’t use time constraints as an excuse.
When you first start, don’t try to overload yourself. Establish a slow, steady period to build up your endurance. When you first do your workout, you’ll likely wake up very sore the next day.
As such, give yourself recovery times that let your body rest without becoming inactive. Aim for two or three days a week when you start. As you progress, consider a range of three to five days a week.
Aim for a Balanced Workout
When you work out, it’s crucial to find a workout program you enjoy. However, it’s also wise to balance out your workout with some exercises you may struggle with. For instance, if you love your weights for beginners workout, try incorporating some cardio for beginners.
Another critical thing to consider is a core exercise routine for beginners. When people think of core muscles, they usually picture six-pack abs. However, core muscles include your lower back, obliques, and several other muscles essential for balance and posture.
While many people consider core workouts the bane of their existence, core muscles help keep you in shape into your elderly years. They also help your endurance for several other workout types. So, if possible, find ways to add core workouts to your exercise routine.
Time Management for Workouts
Time constraints are one of the most cited reasons for why people don’t workout. Even when you schedule your workout like an appointment, you still may not have a large enough block of time to have an hour-long workout.
When faced with these problems, there are two primary solutions you can use. First, break up your workout into shorter spurts. Let’s say you don’t have time to go to the gym for an upper-body workout today.
Instead, take short breaks throughout the day to do some exercises. You may take ten minutes to do some pushups at 9:00, sit-ups and planks at 12:00, and arm curls at 3:00.
If you don’t want to space your workout this way, there’s another solution. You could consider getting up earlier and doing your exercise before you start the day. Many people find it tough to work out at the end of the day because they’re too tired or new problems arise.
There are other benefits of morning workouts besides pragmatic concerns. It often lowers evening blood pressure and improves sleep quality. Morning workouts also help people feel more energized throughout the day.
Find the Best Place for Your Workout
Finding a beginner exercise routine often involves finding a place to start your workouts. Getting a gym membership often provides many benefits, such as personal trainers or fitness classes. You may find several options there that meet your preferences.
If you don’t have a gym yet, consider using one of ours! Our Greenville, NC, and Apex, NC locations have the best resources for your fitness needs. Contact us today to learn more about our work.