10 Helpful Exercise Tips

Starting a new successful workout routine - and sticking to it - can be daunting.

If you're like most people, you have probably decided to finally start, or get back to exercising, multiple times throughout the course of the year.

You get a gym subscription, and all the gym clothes, but then you keep postponing your first workout and your new gym clothes just stay in your closet waiting for you.

To help you fight this inertia, whether you’re a beginner or returning to exercise after some time, here are 10 helpful workout tips to get you started:

1. Write Down and Journal Your Fitness Goals

Taking the time to understand why you have decided to start working out is absolutely crucial. Think about the future and what you want to accomplish. What is motivating you? Write down your goals and hopes for the journey you're about to start.

Journal daily the ups and downs on your path to better health, and if you like, take advantage of tools such as Best Australian Writers to help you out with the writing. Making your goals measurable is also very important!

2. Start With a Friend

A partner is the key to a good workout. Working out with a friend can also be good for your confidence. If your friend already has experience, then this is even more beneficial. An exercise partner will motivate you.

Make sure you pair up with someone who is going to hold you accountable and drag you out of bed on the days you do not want to work out.

3. Start Eating Healthy

A key aspect of staying motivated with your workout and new fitness life is your nutrition. Developing healthy eating habits can really support your workouts. 

Don't be overwhelmed by the many "diet" options out there. Like Michael Pollan says, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

With a cleaner diet, you may find yourself feeling healthier, sleeping through the night, having strong digestion, and feeling more energized by your workout.

4. Realize It's Not Going To Happen Overnight

There's no magic pill, or series of movements you can do, to start being fit after a short period. Embracing that it will take time for you to feel good and get in shape will help the process. Getting back to exercise doesn’t mean making up for lost time or setting unrealistic goals for weight loss.

It is also important that you understand it may take longer for you than for others to achieve your goals. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is comparing yourself to others. When you compare yourself to other people, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

5. Invest in Quality Fitness Gear

Make sure to get some really great workout clothes and equipment to make your exercise experience as rewarding as possible. There are plenty of options out there so find something that makes you feel strong, confident, and comfortable instead of that old T-shirt you found at home. 

You do not need to go overboard with the equipment. Basic gear like a jump rope, a kettlebell or some dumbbells can give you a lot of variety without costing an arm and a leg. 

Can't afford any gear right now? No problem! Don't let that stop you from being active. There are many weightbearing exercises that can give you quite the workout and all you need is yourself!

6. Have A Workout Schedule

Your body will thrive under a routine.

Waking up and going to bed around the same time every day helps establish normal rhythms that your body adapts to.

The same is true with exercise. Determine whether it is better for your lifestyle to work out in the morning, on a lunch break, or in the evening. Stick to that routine for a month, and you will notice your performance improves dramatically.  

While the research does not indicate that there is any benefit of when you work out, working out in the morning starts the day right, ensures you get the workout in and will boost your confidence for the entire day. Not a morning person? The good news is that you can become one by creating a morning ritual. 

7. Drink LOTS Of Water

Be sure to stay hydrated while working out.

An enormous quantity of water is lost while you work out so pay attention to the amount of water you consume and how much you need to consume after exercising.

Make sure you always have a full water bottle handy when working out and drink whenever you feel thirsty. If you were not getting enough water during workouts before, you will really notice a difference in how much better you feel.

8. Think Outside Of The Gym

A quality workout does not need to take place at a gym.

Get creative with your workouts!  You can get a good workout in by going for a hike with someone you love, training for a 5k, hitting the trail with a bicycle, or going for a swim.

Does cold or rainy weather make it difficult to get to the gym? You can still get in a good workout at home. Technology allows you to find a wide range of at-home exercise routines available online that do not require any gym equipment to help you break out a sweat. YouTube and PrimeVideo are full of free workout videos. 

9. Remember To Stretch

Your cool down is crucial for both mental health and muscle strengthening. Stretching is a vital part of any workout, it improves your flexibility and decreases the potential for an injury.

We really like ROMWOD, which provides guided stretching routines that focus on recovery, flexibility and optimizing your range of motion.  

10. Allow Yourself To Recover After A Workout

What you do immediately after a workout affects how your body reacts and responds to all that hard work.

Make sure you listen to your body, get healthy food and enough rest between workout sessions to allow your muscles to recover.

Supplements can be a key part of recovery. Key nutrients might include a quality fish oil, magnesium or collagenformula. 

Remember why you are working out. Stick to the plan, stay motivated and allow yourself to recover. Following these tips can help you in establishing movement as a part of your daily routine.

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