I know that attempting to start exercising again after a long hiatus or maybe even for the first time can seem daunting. You may feel paralyzed with overwhelm, and you haven’t even rolled out your mat or laced up your shoes. You have been told that exercise relieves stress, but the idea of exercise is stressing you out. I get it!
Here are my top 3 tips for getting started on a fitness and movement journey:
- Start small: if you go from zero to sixty, you will set yourself up for failure. If you haven’t been exercising and then you decide to start exercising every day for an hour, you are probably going to burn out quickly. Instead, ask yourself what you can realistically commit to over one week and then adjust accordingly based on how that first week goes. If daily sessions are out, what about shooting for 20-30 minutes 2-3 days a week and adjusting that up or down based on how your body feels and your schedule allows? When it comes to exercise, you are playing the long game. Start small and make it sustainable to make it a habit and stay consistent.
- Make a plan: This goes along with number 1. Making a plan for not only when you are going to work out but what you will do to work out is crucial. Any movement is better than no movement, but movement with a plan is the best. Ask yourself two questions: What is my goal, and what do I enjoy? Now you have to find activities that answer those questions. Get creative. Could you walk around the fields during your child’s soccer practice instead of scrolling your phone? What about getting in a quick Pilates class during your lunch hour 1 or 2 days a week (while still allowing you time to eat)? Find activities that you enjoy, and that fit into your schedule will go a long way towards keeping exercise a constant figure in your life.
- Ask for Help: I cannot stress this one enough. Asking for help when starting something for the first time or starting over is so valuable. A trusted and knowledgeable person to guide and support you will help with any anxiety you may feel. Also, they can listen to your goals and help you execute a plan to meet them that is efficient and effective. This means you will see results quicker (more energy, increased strength, less pain, better sleep, etc.). Once you start seeing results, your commitment to exercise and movement will increase, and before you know it, exercise has become a regular fixture in your life.
I hope these tips will help you overcome any anxiety, stress, or fear you may have when it comes to starting exercise. If I can help, please reach out. My Online Membership has multiple beginner programs/series to help you get started with Pilates. My absolute favorite clients to teach privately are fitness newbies or people coming back from a long hiatus, and you can book an intro consultation here.
