Pre-beginners - Let’s get REAL!
You have been huffing through situations where you’d rather be the one carrying on an easy conversation (like running late for a meeting and trying to update a partner through what needs to happen / playing with the kids and not being able to keep up a conversation). You resolve every time: “I need to get fit.”
Every time.
But somewhere between this and taking action, there is a void where nothing happens. Does this sound familiar? Are you stuck in the unfit continuum? The popular reason is “busy”, the underlying diagnosis: lack of motivation.
In this post, let’s look at three elements for mapping your journey to fitness that will leave you with a solid foundation to want to start and more importantly, to keep progressing.
- Your mental space
- A foundation of accurate knowledge
- A good support structure
And when we say fitness, we mean reaching your desired level of strength and energy for whichever goal you define.
1. Mindset
Let’s pick up where we left off, remember: being out of breath, the embarrassment, the resolve…
Now what?
How to get from this space to actually getting started? Getting out of your own proverbial door, rather than the actual exercise, may be your biggest challenge.
Being the Newb can be intimidating, a humbling experience. But instead of letting it discourage you, be determined to have fun with this. After all, humbling is better than humiliating! The person huffing through an exercise session is light years ahead of the person just huffing through life.
Prepare to push your mind first, it is not all about cardio and muscle.
Define and Refine
Find your reasons for getting fit, and make it personal. If it is really important to you, these will become the goals that matter. Think functional and beyond. Having goals will help you find and keep direction, and create the basis for making the right decisions. They will keep you pushing ahead when you feel like giving up.
Decide what you want to achieve: Running a marathon, or just getting your functional fitness level up to cope with a hectic lifestyle? This is not to limit yourself, but rather to pin the vision of your journey as far as you need to for now. You can progress from there.
Now that you are getting real about getting fit:
2. Knowledge
The more you know about what you are doing and why, the less room there is for doubts and fears.
Get personal first
- Always see a Doctor before you dive into a new routine of exertion, so there can be no nasty surprises along the way.
- Get an assessment of your fitness level at any Thrive Community Fitness Centre - you may be surprised at how much more fit you are than you thought! At Thrive every new member has the option to get an evaluation by a personal trainer.They will ake sure that you walk away with the knowledge, relevant to your unique fitness journey. Workouts tips and suggestions are given that would be good for YOU based specifically on where you are starting from.
- Keep a record your vital statistics - (this is included in the assessment at the gym) You will want to keep it for tracking your progress.
- Now decide how you will get there. (Suggestions below)
Understanding your body
When starting out, that feeling that soon attacks - the one that convinces you that you cannot go any further - is not just your mindset! It has more to do with your lactic tolerance than with a weak mind. So if you have given up at that point so many times before, take comfort, it is normal! You can overcome and improve this.
When you exert yourself more than usual, your body produces lactic acid. As you keep pushing, there comes a point where it is generated faster than can be neutralized. Now, your body responds by giving you an burning sensation in the muscles and fatigue. You really can’t at that point.
The unfit have a low lactate threshold. So when you are told to start slowly, with shorter intervals and lower intensity, this is not patronizing. Really, you need to build up to reach higher levels of lactic tolerance. Don’t you feel better?
Be sure to increase intervals and intensity weekly though, don’t stay a beginner! When you identify a challenge that may stumble you, research how to overcome it. Talk to our trained staff and work though your obstacles.
Some ways to get there
Now map your journey. How will you take yourself to fitness? Research ways and try the ones you think appeal to you. Try some free classes to see if there is something you thought you wouldn’t like, feel free to request a free pass here. Here are only a few options below.
Fartlek - Which is Swedish for “Speed Play” is a good way to start from absolute beginner, because you can determine the intensity and duration of intervals. If done progressively and with your goals in mind, it is a great way to build stamina.
Interval training - is structured in that it has set interval durations, yet versatile. It can be done from beginner to advanced.
Low Intensity Cardio - Is made to sound like the boring counterpart of all the other exciting ways to get fit, but get to know it before bashing the concept. It has its definite advantages in building endurance and aerobic fitness.
Also be sure to stay on top of the many personal training specials offered at your Thrive Community Fitness Centre.
3. Support
Ongoing support is essential to your success and progress. This does not have to be a workout buddy, working out with a partner is not for everyone.
Find your unique support structure. Whether it be family and friends you surround yourself with, or joining an online community or social page that keeps you motivated.
You can be sure that walking through the doors of Thrive Community Fitness, you will always find a friendly and supportive atmosphere.