8 Tips for Successfully Starting Your Fitness Journey
Fitness may not be at the top of your priority list, especially as a mom. There are so many demands on your body, your energy, and your time! But the thing is, if you are not properly fueled, you will not function properly, and you will not have the strength and energy for your busy life!
Fitness does not have to be all or nothing. Making huge goals will only set you up for failure. So, how can you get started on a fitness journey that won’t end before it’s even begun?
Here are 8 tips for a SUCCESSFUL Fitness Journey:
Start Today. Don’t wait for the beginning of the week, the month, or the year. Start now. Don’t overthink it: even 5-10 minutes of intentional movement is better than none at all. Freeing yourself from the idea that you have to wait for a certain time or date will allow you to jump back in any time you might “fall off the wagon”.
Don’t wait until you feel like doing it. Odds are you will never “feel like it”! BUT, the benefits are what you are after: better health, more stamina and strength, a boost to your mental and emotional health, more confidence, etc. Pick your reason, and let that be your motivation to get up and move!
Make one change at a time. Start with one thing. Trying to do too much will derail you quickly. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, and be realistic with yourself! Again, fitness does NOT have to be all or nothing! Baby steps will take you much farther than giant leaps, because you’re more likely to stick with it!
Plan it out. If it’s not written down in your schedule, chances are, it’s not happening. You need to write it down to protect that space, and help you be prepared, both mentally and practically (with appropriate clothing, footwear, and tools).
Don’t quit. This might sound totally obvious, but, at some point, you will probably want to. Commit to one month of being consistent, no matter what. Get it done! If you miss a day, jump right back in (again, don’t wait for the perfect time). The feeling of accomplishment you’ll have if you stick with it will inspire you to keep going and increase your goals!
Pick something you enjoy. If you choose an activity you hate, you won’t succeed. If you choose something you actually look forward to doing, you’ll be more motivated! Think creatively--you do NOT have to run, or do the extreme workout. Walking, dance, yoga, swimming, and hiking are all great forms of exercise. Think about an activity that brings you joy, and see if you can turn it into a workout! The internet is full of inspiration as well!
Pick out your clothes the night before. Lay out your workout clothes the night before, so that you are mentally and physically prepared to GO the next day! Don’t be defeated by a missing shoe or the sports bra that’s still in the hamper!
Kill two birds with one stone. If your workout allows, listen to a podcast or audiobook so that it distracts you AND inspires you. You’ll be making smart use of your time, AND feel more motivated if you’re listening to great content!
Fitness does not have to be complicated or expensive. Set small goals that you can reasonably commit to--once you are consistent with small things, you can move on to the bigger things! With the internet and your devices, you have access to practically unlimited resources to help you on your fitness journey, no matter what that looks like. But don’t overthink it, and just MOVE!
