What to Do Your First Day Exercising
Set Yourself Up for Success
Photo by Gabin Vallet on Unsplash
Starting exercise can be a daunting task. I was never sure what to do when I decided to exercise. Often, I would put in a few days’ work and then quit. I could never stick with it. Before you exercise, you’ll need to do a few things to ensure you have great success.
What To Do Before You Begin
Before you begin an exercise program, I would advise that you see your doctor. This is important if you have any underlying medical issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Your doctor may change your medication or help you find exercises that work for your ideal situation.
Pain Issues
If you suffer from pain issues, such as in your knees, hips, or feet, then exercise can be extra challenging. I have problems with my feet and knees sometimes, so I need to exercise slowly. I mainly go walking right now to strengthen my legs and feet, so I can add other exercises as I get stronger.
Swimming is an option when you have pain, as it’s low impact and especially good for older people or those with limited mobility. As always, speak to a professional before you begin.
The Plan
Decide what you want out of exercise and how you’re going to get there. Set short-term goals at first, and keep them small and obtainable. Here’s a few examples:
Lose 5 pounds in a month
Exercise for 30 minutes per day
Drink more water
Don’t try anything too stressful when you begin, or you’ll end up quitting. Most people quit because they set unrealistic expectations for themselves.
Make Sure it’s Fun
Don’t go all crazy with exercise and do things you don’t enjoy, as that’s the fast track to quitting. Don’t try running, for example, if you hate it. Find an activity that you can stick with for the long term. I picked walking as that’s something I enjoy, and I can stick with it long-term.
Take it Slow
Avoid frustration by taking your time with an exercise program. Avoid looking at the scale for at least a few months. I would always quit because I wanted things fast, but it doesn’t work that way.
Exercise is a journey that can take a long time. You spend years getting out of shape, so it may take as long to get the body you want. Make small changes each day, and you’ll see progress.
Consistency
The most important thing to remember when starting any exercise program is to remain consistent. Don’t beat yourself up if you have a bad day. Most people quit because they can’t stay consistent. Since you have a small setback, you end up quitting before you give yourself a chance to see success.
Community
Joining an exercise community can be key to your success. If you try to do this alone, you may end up failing. Having a good support system can help motivate you to get through the tough days when you feel like quitting.
Getting started with any exercise program may seem tough, but you have to start somewhere. Aim to do something simple at first and build from there.
If you don’t start, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.
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