There are many reasons to incorporate a fitness or exercise routine into your life. If you have considered “getting into” or “getting back into” exercise and want to know how to start, I’m here to give some reasons and tips.
Beyond weight loss
Typically when you look up the benefits of exercise or watch commercials, the primary messaging around exercise has to do with losing weight. Even if it’s not explicitly stated, it’s implied. Themes like ‘Getting Your Summer Body’ or ‘Get Your Sexy Back’ imply losing weight or slimmer aesthetics.
As a certified personal trainer and strength athlete, I have been around the fitness industry for many years. As a plus-sized competitive athlete, it can be a difficult space to navigate. For many who have health issues, losing weight is a good motivator. But fitness and wellness go beyond the scale number. Here are just a few other benefits of a fitness routine that are often overlooked.
- Healthier bones and joints
- Increased immunity
- Improved mood and energy
- Better quality sleep
- Better stamina
- Improved balance and functionality
How to start or restart
When I was in high school I was pretty active in sports and then came college and the stress of balancing work and a large course load meant the trips to the campus gyms were infrequent. So after moving home, I struggled to find a routine that I could commit to. I tried a kickboxing studio, group fitness, outdoor running, you name it. Along the way I started to believe that I had to hate my current self to get to the “dream body” I kept reading about in magazines and seeing represent wellness. I wasn’t enjoying the process because I was stumbling along for all the wrong reasons.
Determine your why
Did any of the reasons above resonate with you? Are you hoping to increase energy for other passions? Do you have aches and pains doing functional movements like squatting down or climbing steep stairs? Would you like to feel stronger and more confident the next time you have to move furniture?
Knowing the motivation can help you determine what movements and exercises would best fit your fitness routine. For example, if you want to get stronger, finding a routine that incorporates weight training is key to achieving that goal.
Know thyself
Are you a self-starter or do you need community? What are the current ways you like to love your body? For example, if you are a people person and love to dance, a Zumba or Step Aerobics class at a gym or studio might be your first step along your journey.
When I decided to restart my fitness journey after college I purchased a Groupon for a kickboxing-style class at a studio. After a few months, I felt more confident and ready to venture into a big gym. Once I joined, I started by taking a few group classes to get into a routine and then went into using the few machines I was comfortable and familiar with. As my confidence and goals evolved, my fitness routine evolved
My why at the start of my journey was simply a space for me to decompress from a stressful job. I wanted to move my body more after sitting at a desk for hours. Then it evolved into challenging myself and my body and growing in strength. I never sought to be a powerlifter or even compete, but that’s the beauty of trusting the process.
Your journey will look different than mine. One of my favorite podcast guests shared the start that led her to eventually run a marathon. As a mom, she wanted quality time and the couch to 5k gave her community and that time to practice self-care and pour into herself.
Seeking help
Help along your fitness journey can look different depending on your goals. Whether it’s a gym buddy or group that keeps you accountable, an online community, or a personal trainer or coach. Finding support is key to success. There are going to be days where the snooze button or your couch is more appealing than the bike ride you planned, but remember you are doing this to show love to your body and yourself. This means listening to your body when it needs rest or rehabilitation. It also means knowing when to seek help to get you closer to your wellness goals. Professionals like trainers or nutrition coaches are skilled at empowering you to unlock the next level on your journey. In my journey, it was a group fitness instructor who gave useful movement cues and noticed my progress helping me feel confident in the early stage of getting out of my rut.
All in all, remember to have fun and give yourself grace. Ride the wave and keep going and you will love your body no matter what shape it is in because you are caring for it.
If you are interested in a consultation call to discuss fitness goals and how to start or restart your journey reach out to me at [email protected]
