If you are a beginner, it can be really difficult to start a fitness journey and stick to it.

It could be intimidating, frustrating, confusing and sometimes demotivating. After my knee injury, when I was ready to workout again, I realised that despite being active for a long time before it, the injury and rehab had brought me to a beginner’s level. So whether it’s your first time working out, or you are coming back after a long break due to pregnancy, injury, illness just things that life throws at you, I know how overwhelming it can become.

Maybe you have tried, and didn’t know where to begin. Maybe you went to a gym and didn’t understand what equipment to use or what exercises to do.

No matter what your reasons, I am here to help you get over that obstacle and start your journey today!

Identify available time slots: Monitor your daily activities for a week and identify 30 minute slots that you can dedicate to physical activities.

Start out easier than easy: When you are a beginner, it is important to start easy. You should feel like you are holding back during your workout, by either going slow or decreasing the reps and focus more on proper form. It is important to not push yourself so much that you are fatigued and discouraged. When you start slow, you will have more energy when you began and this is going to motivate you. Remember, fitness is a journey and not a final destination. Enjoy the journey!

Add physical activity to your daily routine: Walk or ride a bike when possible, climb stairs instead of taking the lift, workout or stretch while you watch TV, walk and talk when you are on a call.

Take social support: Share your interest in physical activities with your family and friends and ask them to support you. Invite your family, friends or children to join you in your workouts. Make friends with physically active people.

Choose exercises that make you confident: There is no shame in modifying an exercise or being a beginner. You should confident at any stage of your fitness journey. Even while learning a brand new skill, make sure you are enjoying it.

Work around your fear of an injury: Learn how to warm up and cool down to prevent injury. Learn how to exercise appropriately considering your age, fitness level, skill level, and health status. Choose activities you feel you can do safely, and increase the amount you do gradually as your confidence and abilities grow.

Find an accountability partner: Get a workout buddy who can encourage you to stay consistent. Join an exercise class or a gym. Find a dancing or hiking partner!

Schedule it in your calendar: Make your workouts your priority! add them in your calendar like you would for any other appointment. Make sure you have the necessary arrangements so you can train without any distractions. I keep my clothes and gear ready the night before. Workout whenever you can. Morning or evening, it doesn’t matter.

Set goals: Set goals that are realistic. Find what matches your lifestyle, schedule and energy levels and do that! It’s not worth it if you are losing your sleep to squeeze in another workout. Your goals should be SMART. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound.

Allow time for recovery: There is no point if you have to abandon your fitness journey due to injuries or exhaustion and they are bound to happen if you don’t give your body enough time to recover from your workouts. If you have a busy lifestyle, start with three days a week. Focus on consistency and recovery.

You can overcome your obstacles and start your fitness journey today! You can use these tips to help you in that path. Make the time and decision for you and move forward in a way that it suits your lifestyle. As you break the barriers, you can start motivating others around you!

How did you overcome your obstacles? Share in the comments and tell me!

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