Tips for Starting a New Fitness Routine

It can be hard to start any new task – fitness is no different. This time of year, many people are looking for tips for starting a new fitness routine and I can relate. I think it can be extra challenging to start a new fitness routine in the winter when the days are short, dark and everything can just feel blah. Last year I wrote a post celebrating the gym newbie and if that is you, I hope you’ll read it. But I suspect that many of you aren’t necessarily newbies but maybe just lacking motivation to start that training plan or fitness routine during these winter days. And so I wanted to share a few tips from me and some of my blogging buddies for starting a new fitness routine. 

• Just go. The hardest part is often just getting out the door. Put on your workout clothes, leave the house and go the dang thing! Tell yourself that if it’s awful you  can quit after ten minutes. Chances are, after ten minutes, you’ll want to keep going. I’ve done this a thousand times and never quit after the ten minutes. 
• An effective way to commit to your exercise routine to make a non-negoiatable commitment to do at least 15 minutes of exercise every day. Often the hardest part is getting out the door! Once you get going you’ll likely want to keep exercising past the 15 minute mark, but if not, then a 15 minute workout is still better than no workout at all. Choose a workout routine that is sustainable over the long term. – Lea 
• Find something you love and run with it. You won’t stick to something you don’t love! Whether it’s lifting weights or running or doing yoga or kickboxing, find something you love before committing to a program! – Meagan 
• Set out your workout clothes the night before (or that day if you are working out after work). Lay everything out so you don’t have to think, you can just GO! 
• Follow a couple of inspirational folks on Instagram who typically workout the same time as you – check their posts and see that they’ve got their workout in to motivate yourself to get out the door. Note that this only works if you’ll actually put your phone down and GO!
• Instead of focusing on, and becoming overwhelmed, with one big goal, create “milestones” for yourself and smaller, more manageable goals. The smaller goals will help you in staying on track. – Kathryn

A few more blog posts with some great tips: 

• Tips for New Runners by Suzlyfe 
• Ten tips for starting a Running Routine by Coach Debbie Runs
• Ten commandments of Fitness by Pineapples + Health
• Five Tips to Make Run Goals a Reality by Organic Runner Mom
• New Year, New Runner by MCM Mama Runs

Are you looking for even more encouragement and support? Join my private FB Group where we do different challenges to encourage each other! Would love to have you!