| If you are taking your first plunge into the world | | | | that the reward with fitness is in the journey, |
| of fitness, how you tackle your journey early on | | | | there is no final destination. If you are serious |
| will ultimately determine your long-term success. | | | | about beginning a fitness program, do so when |
| Below are my best tips for success, which I have | | | | you really feel ready to begin and avoid the |
| developed from my personal and professional | | | | bandwagon. |
| fitness experience. | | | | Take advantage of what your gym has to offer. |
| It doesn't matter where you start; it just matters | | | | Most facilities, nowadays, offer a free, equipment |
| that you start. | | | | walk-through or a few, free personal training |
| Upon joining a health club, you are bound to notice | | | | sessions for new members. This can be very |
| a number of people that are in amazing shape. If | | | | helpful to the novice exerciser and can help ease |
| you do not feel especially good about yourself, | | | | fears when it comes to using equipment. Although |
| you may feel intimidated by such people. This is | | | | some fitness equipment looks rather complex, it |
| where you immediately have to ask yourself, | | | | is typically designed to work on basic concepts |
| how did they get to look so amazing? They, like | | | | like push-pull, lift-lower, etc. Once one understands |
| you, had to start somewhere on the road to | | | | how to adjust the resistance level, height, etc., |
| fitness and chances are good that they were not | | | | much of this knowledge is easily transferred |
| born with amazing physiques over night. If it helps, | | | | across different types of equipment. |
| remember that these people will be spending | | | | Take advantage of any free nutritional |
| more time looking at themselves (not you) while | | | | assessments, fitness testing, etc. Establishing a |
| they are at the gym. Do not be intimidated, | | | | baseline with where your fitness level begins is a |
| through commitment and consistency you will also | | | | nice way to be able to quantify progress later, |
| be successful in positively altering your | | | | and a great way to stay motivated. Take what |
| appearance. | | | | you want from such assessments, and leave the |
| Pick another day outside of January 1st to start | | | | rest. |
| your New Year's resolution. | | | | Try group fitness classes as a way to kick start |
| Let's face it, too many people feel pressured to | | | | to your fitness program. If your gym offers |
| hit the gym January 1st to start working off | | | | group fitness classes, try exposing yourself to a |
| extra holiday pounds. These same folks set | | | | few different class formats. Group fitness classes |
| unrealistic goals, such as going to the gym every | | | | make exercise fun, and are also a great way to |
| day for grueling, two-hour workout sessions and | | | | learn correct form with various exercises. In a |
| quit before February rolls around. This "warrior" | | | | group fitness setting, the instructor will count the |
| type of approach always leads to burnout and | | | | repetitions, motivate you, and provide different |
| failure as it cannot be adhered to long term. | | | | instruction for different fitness levels. Class |
| Fitness is a lifestyle, and this means implementing | | | | formats and instructors can vary greatly, so try |
| a reasonable approach, schedule and discipline that | | | | a few before you call it quits. Find something you |
| can be adhered to for the long haul. Remember | | | | enjoy as this also key to your long-term success. |