It is never too late to start a fitness journey. Without a doubt, starting a fitness program is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and well-being.
Physical activity offers many benefits. It reduces your risk for chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disorders and type 2 diabetes and helps you shed your extra pounds. It can also improve your balance, coordination, and even self-esteem.
With so many workout options, equipment, and information available, starting your fitness journey can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to fitness. But it doesn’t have to be!
Whether you are interested in cardio, yoga, or strength training, this brief guide will help build a solid foundation to begin your fitness journey.
Assess your Fitness Level
First, assess how fit you really are. This will give you a benchmark alongside which you can measure your progress during your fitness journey.
You can assess your fitness level by noting:
- Your waist size and body mass index
- Your pulse rate before and after walking one mile.
- The time you take to walk one mile and run one and a half miles.
- How many pushups you can do at a time.
Your fitness trainer can also help you assess your fitness level.
Set Realistic Goals
After assessing your fitness level, try to set realistic goals that you can achieve within a realistic timeframe. Be sure to consider your reasons for starting your fitness journey: Do you plan to lose weight or increase muscle mass? Do you want to improve your flexibility and strength? Are you preparing for a marathon or a fitness competition?
It is important to have clear goals so that you can gauge your progress and stay motivated.
Develop a Fitness Plan
After you have set your fitness goals, develop a fitness plan. One good way to do this is, to begin with a plan of easy steps to follow. Continue building on the plan as your fitness level improves.
If you plan to go to the gym, your fitness trainer will work with you to create a fitness program for you based on your fitness goals. They may also incorporate warm-up and cool-down exercises in your fitness plan to help prevent possible injuries.
Start Slowly
If you are new to fitness, start cautiously and progress slowly. For example, if your goal is to finish a 10-kilometer run, start with a plan that includes shorter runs. Once you finish your shorter run, increase the distance gradually until you can run ten kilometers in one session.
Optimize Your Nutrition
Fuel your body with a balanced diet to support your fitness program. It is important to include all food groups in your diet. For example, carbs can fuel your muscles before exercise and replenish glycogen stores. Proteins can help improve muscle recovery after a workout, build muscle mass, and repair tissue damage. Lastly, fats are essential to burn excess body fat and preserve muscle mass during physical activity.
Your fitness trainer may also offer nutrition plans based on your individual goals, your metabolic rate, and your fitness profile.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated will help you recover faster and prepare you for your next training session. For optimal performance, make sure you replenish the fluid that you lose during your workouts.
Be sure to also drink fluids throughout the day to maintain your hydration levels.
Track Your Progress
A good rule of thumb is to assess your fitness six weeks after starting your training and then again after a few months.
During your fitness journey, it is important to be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and keep pushing forward. Set new goals or try a new activity, in case you start to lose your motivation.
Alamo Fitness Center Near Me in San Antonio, TX
If you are looking for a highly reputable fitness club in San Antonio-Alamo Heights, visit us here at Koko FitClub. At our fitness club, our trainers work with our members to help them improve their health and overall well-being. Whether you want to improve your endurance, build muscle mass, develop maximum strength, or boost your metabolism we are committed to helping you achieve your fitness goals.
Please call us today at (210) 560-3044 to set up an appointment at our fitness club or use our convenient online appointment request form.
