Getting Started With Your Fitness Goals
Given the recent success of programs like ‘The Biggest Loser’, many people have been inspired to pursue a new fitness regime. Anything that inspires someone to improve their own fitness can only be a good thing, but the reality is, this burst of action can be short-lived.
Firstly, let’s make sure you manage your expectations realistically. Don’t assume you will be able to do what you used to do, especially if it’s been more than 6 months since your last spate of exercise. If this is the case, you are most likely in a detrained state. This is not a major issue, but it’s important to know from the outset that it will take time to build up to your desired level of fitness. Be patient.
It’s best to ease into things. Your first week of training should be more than what you’ve been doing, but don’t go too hard in the hope that it will speed up your progress. It won’t. You’ll just feel over-exerted, expose yourself to injury and become discouraged.
If you decide to conduct your program outside a gym, you can start by walking or jogging in the park. If you are going to join the gym, start with a personal trainer. Just having that appointment will keep you motivated to attend. I’ve seen so many people join the gym, attend their first appraisal, and never come again. People who do this are a gym’s bread and butter. If you are going to join, make sure you come into the gym and get your money’s worth.
A gym is a business – they exist to make a profit, and will charge everyone the same rate whether they come in or not. When I worked for a major gym chain, I wanted members to come and ask me questions or give them new exercises. Not only did it keep me in a job – it kept them on the right track and ensured they got maximum value from their membership. Use the gym as a resource for your benefit, and make your membership work for you.
During your first session, bear in mind the following:
- You will be sore the next day.
- Stick to the weights given on your program
– these will be increased over time.
- Be receptive to advice. Gym staff are there to help you.
- Speak up if a particular exercise hurts or you have any existing injuries.
Once you’ve survived your first session, set aside the time for the second. Don’t look six months ahead just yet, get through the first week. At this stage, you don’t want to get too far ahead of yourself. We will go into goal setting later, for now I just want you to start moving and maintain that movement.
Tags: fitness goals, setting fitness goals
January 9th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Thanks for your write up on getting started, it has really put it in to perspective that I won’t see results straight away. Can’t wait to the next installment on goal setting
March 11th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Great post again mate. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there. Losing weight doesn’t have to be hard ywet mose people fail to realize the basics