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Fitness 101: 5 Simple Steps to Starting a Fitness Program
It hit me in a newbies introduction in the New Member's Forum that as veterans of fitness/bodybuilding we have forgotten what it's like to be a newbie. For someone who is just getting started, it can all be very overwhelming. I thought I would give some suggestions on how to start a exercise program for someone who is a beginner. If you have any other tips for a beginner just add to this. 
Fitness 101: 5 Simple Steps to Starting a Fitness Program
You have decided to start working out but haven’t a clue where to start. Most people start by going to a fitness center, signing up and diving head first into a workout only to wake up the next morning unable to move for the soreness that follows. The first couple of weeks training isn’t easy. You are going to be sore, but you don’t have to work yourself into a state of misery. Start your fitness routine one step at a time, so you avoid the pain and injuries and add phases in as you progress.
1) Evaluate Your Fitness Level: Maybe you need to have a physical or talk to your doctor before you start a fitness program that is up to you. Some simple ways to determine your fitness level:
2) Plan a Fitness Program: Start with a plan. You don’t go on a trip with out looking at a road map before you leave. Start by setting goals and then plan each step of activity in phases. It helps to write it down on paper, so start a fitness journal. East step should help to gradually improve your range of motion, strength and endurance so you can advance to the next phase.
3) Organize Your Equipment: By either joining a fitness center or invest in the right equipment to help you realize your goals.
4) Start Your Program: Keep a record in your journal of each workout. You can make note of problems, triumphs, etc and this will help you be able to reassess your progress.
5) Monitor Your Progress: Reevaluate your fitness levels every 6 to 8 weeks. You can set goals for 12 to 16 weeks. We (fitness trainers) call them cycles… bulking and cutting for example are common cycles.
Starting a fitness program doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It is a lot more fun when you pace yourself and find activities that you enjoy. You can even share it with family and friends. You can keep each other motivated.
Fitness 101: 5 Simple Steps to Starting a Fitness Program
You have decided to start working out but haven’t a clue where to start. Most people start by going to a fitness center, signing up and diving head first into a workout only to wake up the next morning unable to move for the soreness that follows. The first couple of weeks training isn’t easy. You are going to be sore, but you don’t have to work yourself into a state of misery. Start your fitness routine one step at a time, so you avoid the pain and injuries and add phases in as you progress.
1) Evaluate Your Fitness Level: Maybe you need to have a physical or talk to your doctor before you start a fitness program that is up to you. Some simple ways to determine your fitness level:
- Your pulse rate before and after a one-mile walk
- How long it takes to walk one mile
- How many push-ups you can do at a time
- How far you can reach forward while seated on the floor with your legs in front of you
- Your waist circumference at the level of your navel
- Your body mass index
2) Plan a Fitness Program: Start with a plan. You don’t go on a trip with out looking at a road map before you leave. Start by setting goals and then plan each step of activity in phases. It helps to write it down on paper, so start a fitness journal. East step should help to gradually improve your range of motion, strength and endurance so you can advance to the next phase.
3) Organize Your Equipment: By either joining a fitness center or invest in the right equipment to help you realize your goals.
4) Start Your Program: Keep a record in your journal of each workout. You can make note of problems, triumphs, etc and this will help you be able to reassess your progress.
- Start your routine slowly and build up gradually. Be sure and warm up and stretch then pace yourself gradually increasing your goals as your stamina improves. Set small goals that will help you reach your over all goal.
- Varity: Add variety to your routine and be creative. You don’t have to do the same thing for every session. Find something you enjoy. Be flexible… some days you might have to exercise at a different time or maybe you only have 30 minutes to workout.
- Consistent: Staying consistent. Make it part of your routine, so it becomes a habit like brushing your teeth. You can be flexible and consistent. Three days a week: Monday / Wednesday / Friday. So you miss one day… still get three days in. It doesn’t matter which three days.
- Rest: Take breaks when your body feels like it needs it. Don’t forget to rest. It is just as import to take days off as it is to workout. You body needs rest to rebuild, recover and grow muscle.
5) Monitor Your Progress: Reevaluate your fitness levels every 6 to 8 weeks. You can set goals for 12 to 16 weeks. We (fitness trainers) call them cycles… bulking and cutting for example are common cycles.
Starting a fitness program doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It is a lot more fun when you pace yourself and find activities that you enjoy. You can even share it with family and friends. You can keep each other motivated.
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