How to Start a Fitness Journey that Lasts

You may have started a fitness journey before, but if you’re reading this, it’s likely because that fitness journey didn’t last. You either got too busy, too bored, or too overwhelmed to stay on track and see the desired results. So, you want to know how to start a fitness journey that will be different this time or that will be great your first time.

The fantastic news is that you can start a new fitness journey at any time! And it can be enjoyable and beneficial when you set yourself up for long-term success. 

Whether you have never prioritized a fitness routine or you’ve tried many times, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’m providing tips, advice, and resources to help you learn how to start working out and eating healthy today. Remember, the best time to start is right now, and here’s how to do it.

What’s the Best Way to Start Working Out for the First Time?

If you’re new to the world of health and fitness, welcome! I’ve been doing this a long time, but I was once in your shoes. I know it can be overwhelming to start working out, especially when you have no idea where to start. Here’s my best advice for how to start working out and eating healthy for the first time.

1. Don’t Wait for the Perfect Moment

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of finding the perfect moment to start working out. Maybe you’re waiting for the weather to clear up or for a break in your work schedule. But the truth is, there’s never going to be a “perfect” time to start exercising. So why not start today? Even if it’s just a 10-minute walk around the block, getting active is a step in the right direction. And who knows? Once you get moving, you might even find that you enjoy it. So don’t wait for the perfect moment–just start today.

2. Trust that Confidence Comes with Action

If you’ve never spent much time in a gym or used equipment to exercise, it’s natural to feel intimidated when you first start exercising. You may even begin to doubt yourself and question whether or not it’s worth it to start a fitness journey. 

When these thoughts come, remember that action breeds confidence. The more times you use dumbbells, the more comfortable you’ll be using them. The more times you practice proper form, the easier it will be to perform exercises correctly. The more results you see, the more excited you’ll be to keep going. 

It’s okay to be new at something and not be great at it. The true test is whether or not you fight past the discomfort and get to the other side, where you feel incredibly confident in your ability to take care of your body. 

3. Create New Habits Over Time

Knowing how to start working out and eating healthy is one thing—actually doing it week after week takes intentionality. If you’re not used to prioritizing your health, going “cold turkey” and cutting out all sweets or exercising every day isn’t the road to sustainability. Instead, practice creating new habits over time.

Start exercising three times a week for a month. Start adding healthy food choices to your diet before cutting things out. Start speaking kindly about your body to change how you think about and view yourself throughout the journey. Small habits practiced consistently over time result in significant, life-changing outcomes.

4. Find the Support You Need to Succeed

Lastly, if you’re curious about how to start a fitness journey for the first time, consider working with someone who knows exactly how to start working out and eating healthy–because it’s what they teach people how to do for a living. If you’re new to fitness and want to start working out at home with the support of a personal trainer, I encourage you to try the ALFitCrew App. It’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket, with new workouts created for you every week and unlimited accountability, motivation, and instruction to help you see the results you want. 

Try the ALFitCrew App FREE for 7 Days!

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What’s the Best Way to Start Working Out Again?

So, maybe you’re not a fitness newbie–maybe you’ve tried tons of workout plans and fitness programs, but you’re currently in a bit of a rut. Oh, have I been there too! It takes dedication and determination to prioritize your health and fitness consistently. But one thing I’ve found is that it’s much easier to do when you enjoy it and set yourself up for success beforehand. Here’s my greatest advice on the best way to start working out again.  

1. Make a Plan to Overcome Past Challenges

Think about what caused you to stop working out the last time you started a fitness journey. Did you…

• Get too busy with work?
• Stop before you saw results and lose motivation?
• Get bored with your workout plan?
• Burn out because you did something too extreme?
• Stop seeing results?
• Have a baby and priorities shifted?
• Go on vacation and never get back on track?

Life happens! But it’s important to identify what challenges you faced that caused you to quit so that you can make a plan to stay consistent if and when those challenges arise this time. 

• So, if you got bored with your workout plan, consider trying a new fitness program. 
• Or, if you got off track during a vacation, consider purchasing some basic equipment you can bring with you next time. 
• Or, if your priorities and schedule shifted, write out a new schedule that includes your health and fitness plan–maybe you used to exercise in the mornings, but an early afternoon session just works best for your life right now.

Make a plan to make this time different!

2. Set a Goal and Practice Consistency

Accomplishing a fitness goal is all about consistency, not perfection. Exercising three times per week consistently is better than exercising every day for a week and then stopping for three because you’re burnt out. The best way to start working out again is to choose a realistic goal and commit yourself to consistently pursuing it. 

3. Reward Yourself with Rest Days

Rest is essential. Your body needs time to recover, relax, and rejuvenate both physically and emotionally. Whether you’re working out on your own or following an online workout program, schedule rest days. They are just as important as the days you exercise. 

4. Don’t Go at It Alone

It can be difficult to stay motivated when working out on your own. Even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to let other commitments or simple fatigue get in the way of following through with a workout plan. That’s why many people find it helpful to follow a program and work with a personal trainer. Having someone to provide support and guidance can make it much easier to stay consistent and make this time different. I encourage you to try the ALFitCrew App. It’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket, with new workouts created for you every week and unlimited accountability, motivation, and instruction to help you see the results you want. 

Try the ALFitCrew App FREE for 7 Days!

How to Start a Fitness Journey with the ALFitCrew App

If you’re ready to start working out and eating healthy again or for the first time, give the ALFitCrew App a try! You can build a strong, toned, confident body from home on your own time with on-demand workouts and personalized exercise plans at your fingertips. Simply…

1️. Download the ALFitCrew app for IOS or ANDROID

2. Create an account & claim your free trial

3️. Read this blog post to get a lay of the land on the app

4️. Schedule a call with me if you still have questions!

I am here to help you succeed on your fitness journey!