Starting your fitness journey? Here are 4 things to keep in mind

Exercising is one of the most effective things that you can do to keep yourself healthy. For one, exercising can help you manage your weight, lower your risk of heart disease, and strengthen your muscles. But aside from the physical benefits, researchers from Nebraska Medical Center note that being active can also improve your mental health by boosting your self-esteem, reducing depression, and alleviating low self-esteem.

However, starting a fitness journey can overwhelm beginners, especially once they get into the nitty-gritty and obsess about the best ways to achieve their goals. With that said, we’ve listed some things that you should keep in mind if you’ve just started incorporating fitness into your life.

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Identify your goals

Before you embark on your fitness journey, it’s important to list down the goals that you want to achieve. This allows you to figure out what kind of exercise you need, how frequently you need to stay active, and the other things you need to do in order to achieve optimal health. Start by asking yourself questions like “Why am I trying to be active and find wellness now?” and “What changes do I want to see with my body?” By answering these questions, you can set your goals and pursue your fitness journey head on.

Consistency is key

As a beginner, you shouldn’t push yourself to do high-intensity workouts every day of the week. This is because you might tire your body out easily, burn out, and put your fitness journey on pause. If you really want to see results, you’re better off doing moderate-intensity workouts three times per week. Giving yourself intervals between workout days allows your body to rest and recuperate. So, be sure to prioritize consistency over intensity so the transition is much more attainable.

Buying the right workout clothes

Buying the right workout clothes can make the world of difference during your workouts. Workout clothes are specifically designed to help you feel at ease when you exercise. Some may have moisture-wicking technology to help you sweat more effectively; while some are made with breathable material to keep you cool as you exercise. You also shouldn’t forget to pick out the right shoes. If you intend to do a lot of running, you should get a pair of shoes like the Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA, which provides great support for runners and comes in various colors like striped zebra and core black. If you’re going to be lifting a lot of weights, you’re better off using a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors, which have a fine and flat sole.

Be mindful of what you eat

You have to remember that fitness also involves nutrition. So, you have to make sure that your body is fueled with healthy and nutritious foods if you want to achieve your fitness goals. Try to stay away from junk foods that don’t provide a lot of nutrition. Instead, start eating more healthy foods such as vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. If you’re aiming to lose or put on muscle mass, you should try to count your calories and keep a close eye on everything that you consume. Thankfully, counting your calories has never been easier thanks to apps that you can download on your phone such as Lose It! and FatSecret.

By following the tips we’ve listed above, you’re going to have a smoother fitness journey and be one step closer to achieving your fitness goals.

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About the Author:

Regene Jovina works a full-time job and is the mother of two lovely kids. Even so, she makes an effort to squeeze in workouts throughout her daily routine. She loves doing yoga and has recently started jiu jitsu.