Beginners fitness guide - 5 things you must do

A Beginners Guide to Fitness

Part 1 
5 things you must do as a beginner

If you’re new to training or new to the gym, it can be the most difficult position in the world, but it can also be the best position to be in. You probably already know that January is the busiest month in the gym by far; With everyone looking to implement a healthy lifestyle for the new year. But did you know that 70% of the newbies will quit within 3 months? Here are 5 ways to help you succeed and become one of the 30% who make results, not excuses. 

Set a goal

First things first,
what do you want from training? Do you want to be slimmer? Are you looking to get lean? Build an athletic body? Become stronger? Drop a dress size? Work off the Christmas indulgence?

Whatever it is, I want you to write it down. Follow these principles:

Be Specific – “I want to lose 10lbs”, “I want to increase my 5km time”

Make it measurable – Always put a number on it, or something you can measure like weight, inches or time.

It has to be achievable – If you have never stepped foot in a gym, your goal shouldn’t be to qualify for the Olympics in 12 months’ time.

Make your goal relevant – Ensure your goal is relevant to YOU.

Time bound – Setting a date to reach a goal will make it more likely you will keep to your goal and achieve it.

Find your WHY

What is the reason that you want to go to the gym? Why do you want to start training? Is it to be healthier? Do you want to fit into a new pair of jeans? Do you want to get selected for a higher level of your sport? It is important that you find out exactly the reason you are going to start training and write it down. Remember it and keep going back to it when you feel demotivated.

Take a before snapshot

Not just a picture, ensure you take the relevant measurements, times or weight before you begin your training and nutrition plan. If you want to lose weight and get slimmer, you need to note your weight (we also recommend hip and waist measurements). If you want to improve your 5km time, you must write down your current personal best. You should always have these beforehand and then take the exact same details down following your set training plan to measure progress.

Get help

We will always recommend hiring a qualified fitness professional to help you achieve what you want in your new training and nutrition plan. This can be in the form of a fitness coach, online personal trainer, sports massage therapist, dietician or any other relevant professional that will help you achieve the goal you have already set for yourself. If you are unable to hire a fitness professional, try and tell a friend about your goal. Ask them to help you along the way in terms of keeping you motivated, asking you if you have stuck to your plan, or even to train with you provided you have similar goals.

Start NOW

The hardest part of going to the gym is leaving your own home! There will never be a “perfect” time to start. Do not wait for the “perfect” conditions because you will never start. You just have to go and do it. Embrace the hard work ahead of you and know you will become better for it.

Now watch this, stand up and go TRAIN!   

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