Guide to Getting Started on a Fitness Routine
How Do I Begin My Fitness Journey?
Thinking about starting a fitness routine? Or even just getting back into some sort of exercise program and don’t know where to start? It can be overwhelming thinking about how to fit time in your busy schedule to get back to the gym. It is easy to say “I will start next week” and a year later you are still sitting on the couch. The high stress of work, family and just every day expenses can take a toll on your body which is why it so important to get back on a healthy workout routine. Stop procrastinating and get moving. Here are some ways to help get you started.
PICK A TIME
Even with a crazy schedule there is always some time to get a quick workout in. Pick out a time like first thing in the morning and get up 1 hour earlier to get it in and out before the large crowds form. People are usually successful with morning workouts versus getting to the end of the day exhausted and trying to think about getting to the gym. It is a great way to start the day. Or if you aren’t a morning person, go on your lunch break. Take that 1 hour to get some exercise in and have a healthy smoothie for lunch on your way back to the office. Or if you just had no time to get out, you can always go after work with a little motivation.
SET A SCHEDULE
Most people thrive on routine and it supposedly takes 21 days to form a habit. Plan a workout schedule that makes sense to you. While it may be tempting to go every day for the first week, you will burn out. Start slow and pick 2-3 days per week to go. Decide that every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday you will get some sort of exercise in even if that starts with just walking around the neighborhood. It will take some adjustment to get used to the new schedule but no matter what time you go, establish a balanced routine and stick with it. Get through those 21 days and once you have formed your habit of exercising, it will become part of your normal routine.
LOCATION, LOCATION….
The gym will be the easiest place to go and have the most options for working out. Not to mention, seeing other people push hard through their routine is motivating. But the gym is not the only place you can go. One of the simplest things to do which doesn’t cost a dime is get outside and run. Or head to a park and do some pull up and push-ups. Not comfortable at the gym? Try working out in the privacy of your own home. You don’t need much space and can easily get started with the IRON COMPANY® MOVE! Exercise Kit. It includes a foam roller, balance pad and resistance bands. The kit will also provide instruction on how to strengthen and tone the body and help increase balance and circulation. Check out this video for some great exercise ideas:
KEEP YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE
Get a Personal Trainer. If you need extra motivation a personal trainer will at least get you started on the right track. Not only will it get you to the gym since you are paying for their time, but they will help get an exercise program established.
Don’t have the extra cash for a trainer? Grab a workout buddy and help keep each other accountable. Set a time to run with them every morning. Or plan to take a Group Exercise class together. You can help push each other along the way and keep each other company. Want to keep track of your progress? Grab an EHKO Pedometer to track your steps, distance and calories. It is a great motivator and can help you set goals for advancing your training.
Once you have established a balanced and consistent routine, you may be interested in advancing your training. IRON COMPANY can help get any fitness product you are looking for. Whether it is adding an elliptical crosstrainer or treadmill for losing weight, kettlebells and exercise bands for functional strength training, or a set of dumbbells and adjustable workout bench to your home gym, let us find the perfect equipment for you.
Get started today! Contact an IRON COMPANY representative by phone (888) 758-7527 or email quotes@ironcompany.com. GSA Contract # GS-07F-0104M and CMAS contract # 4-12-78-0066A.