Want to live a more active life but not sure where to start? Taking the first steps towards a more active lifestyle is often the hardest part and we understand that sometimes change is difficult, especially when starting something new or trying to form new habits, so we’ve got some tips below to help you take a step in the right direction…
Be realistic
When starting out, it’s important to be realistic and focus on what you CAN do, rather than what you cannot… It takes time to get to where we want to be, but every step forward is a step closer. Start with short 10 minute sessions a few times a day and gradually increase this over time, as the more you move, the easier it will become. Three 10 minute sessions are just as effective as one 30 minute session!
Set achievable goals
If you’re new to exercise or getting back into it after some time out, be sure to set yourself achievable goals to start. As we said above, try introducing exercise into your day-to-day life, aiming for 30 minutes a day and build up slowly from there. Take things at your own pace by setting your own goals and not comparing yourself to others, just do what feels right for you to help avoid injury or defeat, because that will only make it harder to get up and keep going.
Find something you enjoy
The most important thing to remember when it comes to exercise is that you’re doing it for your own benefit, so make sure you’re doing something that you enjoy. Whether it’s walking, running, cycling, yoga or anything else… Doing something that makes you feel good will make it easier to stay active, allowing you to look forward to each session.
Get social
If you’re not feeling confident enough to exercise alone, why not join a local running group or yoga class? Or partner up with a friend to start a hobby together. Exercising with company is really great when it comes to encouragement and support – meaning you’re much more likely to stick to your new routine and achieve your goals!
Know your boundaries
Make sure you know your limits and remember to take a break if you need to, in fact, regular breaks are proven to help recovery and as a result, improve your overall performance – so try to space your workouts out with plenty of time for rest in between. Before you know it, you’ll find you can increase your workout time and go longer or further.
Don’t forget
Most importantly of all, don’t forget that we all have to start somewhere, so don’t stress, just do your best and be proud of how far you have come. If you have a bad day, don’t let it set you back, just get up and try again next time – as long as you’re moving forward, you’re heading in the right direction and you’ll be surprised at how quickly your body adjusts to regular workouts.
