Fitness Tips: A Beginner's Guide to Working Out

Completely new to working out? Did you just buy your gym membership and have no idea how to start? Want to get fit, but never knew how to begin or stick with it? Has it been a while since you've been toned to the point that you were satisfied? If this is you, try skimming these tips and tricks to pick up some information on how to get started! You'll thank yourself in a few months, I promise. It'll go by much quicker than you think!

Need some newfound motivation? Look here for answers!

Tip #1: Keep it simple, yet interesting.
You don't want to wake up one day and realize that you're caught in a boring workout plan. Remember to switch it up, but if you're a beginner, know that something as simple as a daily 30-minute walk can really make a difference while you're just starting to work out. Don't overdo it! I recommend starting small and gradually climbing up the fitness ladder. As you learn new tips and tricks about working out, you'll be able to add more into your workout, but for now, maybe stick to hitting the elliptical, walking, or doing simple cardio exercises like high-knees, chair squats, or jump-roping. Keep it interesting and fun! Maybe even try mixing it up with a personal trainer who can help you reach your goals and find workouts that focus on certain areas of your body.

Tip #2: Avoid strenuous exercises until you're educated.
If you're interested in lifting weights or doing other kinds of vigorous strength exercises, make sure you're getting your form correct and lifting an appropriate amount of weight. I'm a fitness amateur, so I started out lifting 15 pound weights because I've never lifted in my life before a few weeks ago! If you lift too heavy, you could tear your muscles and injure yourself pretty seriously. Be careful and only lift what you can handle! Also, always bring a buddy to spot.

Tip #3: Explore your gym's equipment.
Think about getting a tour of your gym so that you know how to use each piece of equipment. You may think you'll figure it out on your own, but from personal experience, I've realized that I'm too shy to try out the weight machines without knowing how to use them. I think a tour of my gym would have benefited me because I could have learned how the equipment worked without having to figure it out on my own. Also, using the equipment incorrectly could cause injury.

Tip #4: Remember that working out won't do much good unless you're pairing it with clean eating and persistence.
Don't get me wrong, exercise is great for you in all kinds of ways! But if you're trying to lose weight or get healthier overall, your diet matters just as much as your amount of daily exercise (maybe even more!) A good way to look at it: exercise is 30% of your weight loss and a healthy, balanced diet is 70%. Anyone can work out, but it's very difficult to control what goes into your body the rest of the time and make better nutritional choices.

Tip #5: Know that this is meant to be permanent and that you will need both strength and endurance to keep this lifestyle up.
This is a permanent lifestyle change, not a temporary plan to lose weight. If you want to keep it off, you'll need to keep it up! Be persistent, keep exercising even after you've accomplished your goals, and clean up your diet: permanently! To change the way you feel, you must change what you've been eating. Change your food and exercise habits, and your happiness will come along with the change. Though this lifestyle switch may be difficult, you will get used to the clean eating and daily workouts eventually. It'll be a brand new, healthier you, and you'll love your new self! Not to go so far as to say that you can't eat what you love. Just remember to control your portions and eat fatty or sugary foods in moderation.

Remember, when you're first starting out, exercise may be difficult and/or painful. Don't get discouraged. I know from experience that it WILL get easier, much easier actually! If you've got the motivation and endurance to keep it up, you're set for a brand new, healthy lifestyle. Go you!