I’ve told you my story in my second podcast episode which I’ll have posted here. But you’re not here to hear my story of how I started my fitness journey. You want to know how you can get started on your own. How you can finally start getting into shape without feeling intimidated or judged. Like I’ve said in a previous post, there isn’t a magic pill that will make your insecurities go away, but maybe I can help in a way that will change your perspective.
There are couple of things you need to do to get started:
- Proper clothing
- Goals
- Youtube
- Plan
- Pocket Notebook
- WATER
1. Get proper clothing.
I shouldn’t have to say much about that. Make sure it’s fabric that will keep you cool if you’re working out inside or in the heat. Make sure the fabric will keep you warm and comfortable if you’re out in the ice cold. Preferably something that is form fitting. If you don’t feel comfortable, wear something a little on the loose side, but don’t go crazy. It can be dangerous around certain equipment. Also, always make sure you bring water with you. A full bottle and drink throughout the workout even if you’re not thirsty. STAY HYDRATED
2. Goals, Goals, Goals.
Your goals are just as important as everything else that is and will be on this list. Goals. Many people say they just want to “get in shape”. But what does that mean really? Do you want to be able to run a mile in 8-9 minutes? I mean for someone to be able to do that, they have to be in some type of shape. Is your goal more to run a five minute mile? How about lifting weights? Are one of your goals to deadlift twice your bodyweight, maybe even thrice?
You need to establish your goals. I led a large part of my fitness life without solid goals. Today my goals are set and I have a solid plan to chase them. It’s also much easier and more gratifying to achieve the goals you’ve made for yourself than to just fly by the seat of your pants. When you achieve your goals, you open up possibilities to chasing goals that once seemed elusive, impossible.
I wanted to bench press three-hundred-fifteen pounds a few years ago. That’s three forty-five pound plates on each side of the forty-five pound barbell. I followed a program and achieved it a week earlier than the program asked. I was thrilled. I could see that far bigger numbers were possible in my future.
Today, I’m chasing the 6 minute mile. But I’m not going crazy about it. It’ll come in time. I have other goals that take priority like completing my first century (100 mile bike ride). I have many others, but I’ll share those another time. I shouldn’t have to say much about that. Make sure it’s fabric that will keep you cool if you’re working out inside or in the heat. Make sure the fabric will keep you warm and comfortable if you’re out in the ice cold. Preferably something that is form fitting. If you don’t feel comfortable, wear something a little on the loose side, but don’t go crazy. It can be dangerous around certain equipment. Again, very important. Always make sure you bring water with you. A FULL BOTTLE. Drink throughout the workout even if you’re not thirsty. STAY HYDRATED
3. Youtube is your friend!
Head to Youtube to learn the exercises you’ve read about. Practice the movements for a few minutes so the muscle memory can kick in when it’s time to put some real weight in your hands. There is a near infinite amount of videos on all types of exercises on youtube. This source will be your best friend. If you’re unsure or maybe you forgot how to perform a certain exercise, pull out your phone and go to youtube, even if you’re already at the gym. Make sure to use the bookmark/favorite feature on youtube to put all the videos in one place. There are also several apps, but i don’t recommend them as they don’t show true perfect form. Drink water.
4. Plan, Plan, Plan So let’s say your goals are set. Find a plan/program to get you there. Don’t get thrown off by my website suggestion but Bodybuilding.com is an excellent resource when it comes to weight training. They have programs for almost any goal. There are plenty of other sites you can find by a google search or even by searching on youtube. Don’t get caught up in big and small numbers. You’re focusing on yourself. There is no reason for you to be comparing yourself to others unless you’re competing. Who cares what I can lift or how fast or slow I can run compared to yourself? I don’t. Water is your friend, drink it.
5. Pocket Notebook
Go buy one, they’re about $1.00 from your grocery store. Easy right? Your goals are set. You have a program. You’re bringing your notebook with your notes, anywhere you go. A tiny pocket notebook that way you can track your workouts, how much weight you’re lifting and how many repetitions you have to complete as well as how many sets. You’ll be able to see ON PAPER, how you’re progressing and it’s wonderful. Let’s get working. Are you going to the gym or doing another type of exercise? Going on a hike where you want to beat your best time? Are you lifting weight and want to be able to curl a thirty-five pound barbell? It doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, be prepared. Also, drink water.
Focusing on your plan focuses on you. No one else in the room matters.
This is very important and you’ll notice the change in your behavior when you’re more focused on yourselves than others. When you’ve gone to the gym any other time, without goals or a plan, you felt as if people were watching you. When you took a couple minutes rest, you watched others. Maybe you weren’t judging but you were far too aware of everyone else and not focused on yourself. By carrying that little notebook, you’re counting your repetitions, your sets and weight. You’re writing it down and seeing on plain paper how much you’re progressing. The external disturbances don’t exist anymore.
You need to build that confidence by putting yourself in more uncomfortable positions and realizing that it’s all irrational. If people are bringing nothing but negativity in your life, then why do you allow them in to begin with? You will realize that no one is thinking about you per se. They’re concerned of how you think of them. The same way YOU used to think!
No matter what fitness level you’ve achieved so far, whether you’re new to this whole fitness thing or not, get out there with a goal and a plan. And Stay hydrated, drink water.
See you on the next one.
Be Active Daily 