Whether you’re starting a new workout for the first time in a while or you’re starting a workout you haven’t done before, there are a few key things to think about. I know for me personally whenever I start something new I’m always frustrated with myself – especially during the first week. I feel so weak and so “newbie-ish” that I wonder if I should stop. It probably sounds stupid but I swear it happens every. single. time. Starting is pretty simple, it’s getting to week two that can be the difficult part.
Who likes feeling weak? I’m gonna guess no one. But that’s exactly how a new program will make you feel. Ew! (in my best Jimmy Fallon impression)
- If it’s a lifting workout, you might be frustrated that you can’t lift very much
- If it’s a cardio workout, you might be frustrated that you’re pretty winded after 60 seconds
- If it has any type of choreography (TurboFire, Zumba, etc.), you will be frustrated that you don’t know the steps
When the second week rolls around and I’ve started to get accustomed to the workouts I feel much better. By this point I know where I stand and have already noticed little improvements that I can’t wait to build on. I start to get excited because I can lift a little more weight, I’m able to follow along with the steps better or do cardio for a few minutes without feeling like I’m dying. It’s amazing how fast our fitness can improve.
6 Things to Remember When You Start a New Workout
You haven’t done it before.
This is obvious but important to remember – which is why I listed it first. You can’t expect to be great when you’re just starting out. Even people that are in super awesome shape struggle with new programs at first.
Take measurements and your before pictures.
If you really want to be able to track your progress make sure you do both before your first workout. I know what you’re thinking… “Do I have to take pictures?” I say yes. You’ll be so glad you did! It’s the only way to visually see the changes you’ve made from day one. You don’t have to share them with anyone if you aren’t comfortable doing so. They’re for you to track your progress.
See: 7 Important Places to Take Measurements Before Starting a Workout Program
You will improve.
You will get better, faster and stronger. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Important work takes time.
Take it one day at a time.
Don’t focus on how far you still have to go, focus on today’s workout and give it all you’ve got.
Celebrate the small victories.
There are going to be times where you’ll notice your improvements. You’ll be lifting a heavier dumbbell, walking up the stairs without losing your breath or running a longer distance without feeling like you’re dying.
Seek out support to help keep you going.
It’s really great if you have people in your life that support you. Whether you do or not, there are also plenty of places to find support online. Facebook groups are great for this! You can find groups related to just about anything you could ever want to be a part of.
Here are a few that are super helpful:
- Forks to Fit Fix: Recipes/Support
- BOD: Members Only (this is for members of Beachbody On Demand and it’s full of support, videos and recipes from people following Beachbody programs)
- IIFYM Women (Official) (for those following If It Fits Your Macros)
- Wild for Fitness
- Fitbit Friends (for Fitbit users)
To find groups that interest you just use the search bar on Facebook. When you find one you’d like to join send a request and you’re usually approved within a day – usually much sooner.
Starting a new workout or starting over is always hard. The fact that you’re choosing to start, or start again, means you’re pretty awesome.
You got this!
