Four Tips for Starting a Fitness Program You Won’t Quit

Everyone knows that some kind of fitness plan is important for your health. The challenge comes in finding something you enjoy and then developing the determination and discipline to turn it into a habit. But if you’re starting at square one, what’s your first move? Here’s how to begin a new fitness program that you won’t quit.

Make a Plan First

Before you hit the gym, make a plan. What are your goals, and what’s the best way to reach those goals in a safe and realistic manner? Be specific when you think about what you’re hoping to achieve instead of defaulting to general statements like, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to get fit.” Once you have a clear, achievable goal in mind, write in down and think of the steps you’ll need to make to make it happen.

If you’re drawing a blank, a certified personal trainer may be a good fit. They can help you decide on what’s really important to you, and then create a customized plan to make those goals a reality.

Prioritize Your Workouts

When you develop your action plan for reaching your goals, figuring out how and when you’ll train should be part of it. Look at your weekly schedule and add workouts just as you would other appointments. Prioritizing workouts like this will help them become a normal part of your routine, and that means you’re developing healthy habits.

Buddy Up

Motivation and accountability are two of the benefits of training with a workout buddy or in a group setting. A personal trainer offers the same perks, but you’ll also benefit from their expertise and experience. Having a professional showing you the ropes will help you reach your goals in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Begin Slowly

If you’re new to fitness or picking up after some time off, don’t overdo it on the first day or even over the first week. The goal is to train consistently, and you can’t do that if you’re too sore to work out again for a whole week. Remember to warm up and cool down, listen to your body’s cues, and work up to heavier weights and longer sessions. Knowing how hard to push is another reason that a certified personal trainer is a great investment.

If you aren’t ready to commit to a long-term relationship, ask a personal trainer about signing up for a limited number of sessions so that you can get learn the basics and build a plan. The pros here at Framework Personal Training here in Reno are happy to answer your questions and get you started.