Working out is an integral part of staying healthy. It can also be an excellent way to get in shape, relieve stress, and make new friends at the gym! Here is a beginner’s guide to working out to help you get started on your fitness journey.
1. Get A Workout Plan
Figure out your goals and how much time you will dedicate to working out each week. Set realistic expectations for yourself if it’s your first workout or coming back after taking some time off.
2. Equip Yourself
Find the right equipment, shoes, and clothes that work best for you. If this is not something you typically invest in, you can ask a friend or family member to borrow them from time to time.
3. Find A Workout Partner
You may need someone to go with you the first few times so they can help motivate and hold you accountable. If this feels awkward, look for an exercise partner online or on apps like Meetup.
4. Set Up Your Workouts
This usually means getting the right equipment and finding the correct space to work out. It also means figuring out how many days per week you will be working out.
Try not to overthink it. Instead of setting up a complicated plan that leaves no room for spontaneity, pick one time that works well most of the time.
5. Pre-work out Shakes
A stimulant free pre workout shake can help you feel more focused and energized before your workout. You should look for a pre-workout shake that contains no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. In addition, it should have around 200 – 400 calories per serving. It’s a bonus if it contains Citrulline malate, which, according to Legion Athletics, “is the amino acid L-citrulline bound with malic acid, a natural substance found in many fruits that is involved in the creation of cellular energy.”
Avoid adding sugar, as it will likely cause an energy crash after the initial rush of energy from eating it and burning it off because it forces you to exercise for longer.
6. Personal Trainer
A personal trainer is an invaluable resource if you are new to working out. They can motivate and encourage you when you need it most, help keep your workouts interesting, and show you the correct form for each exercise that makes doing them correctly easier in the long run.
With a personal trainer, you will have someone who takes responsibility for making sure you are staying safe and getting the most out of your workout.
If you cannot hire a personal trainer, look for an online video course or YouTube channel. Such videos will help teach you how to do different exercises correctly so that when it comes time to work out on your own at home, you will not be doing anything incorrectly.
If you are looking to save money, the free app Fitness on Your Phone can give you access to hundreds of different exercises without any equipment necessary. It also has a timer that will track how long your workout lasted so you can keep track of time worked out.
7. Post-Workout Shakes and Supplements for Recovery
After your workout, make sure to refuel with a post-workout shake. This should be high in protein, low in carbs, have no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Additionally, it should contain around 200 – 400 calories per serving, depending on how much you worked out that day. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that planning is key. By settling realistic goals and carving time out of your day consistently, you’ll be well on your way to hitting your fitness goals.