5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Fitness Journey
Everyone begins somewhere, right? I was a beginner at the gym at some point in my life. I began my fitness journey just over ten years ago. I began with yoga, found circuit training, and eventually fell in love with strength training.
Most of my fitness journey has been an on and off and on and off type of fitness journey up until this year. So I just wanted to share my tips that I wish I realized sooner!
I have learned a lot of things along the way through experience as well as my education. I am a NASM - Certified Personal Trainer. Below are the five things I wish I had known when I started my fitness journey.
1 - Importance of Proper Form & Building a Foundation
I wish I had understood the importance of proper form and technique. Prioritizing quality over quantity is crucial to prevent injuries and maximize results. Also, starting with the basics is essential to build a solid muscle foundation.
My routine consists of 4 strength training days and five weekly runs with mobility and core before every workout. I recently started prioritizing mobility, core, and cardio in my fitness routine, improving my cardiovascular endurance. I usually struggle with asthma, but since I have been running, I feel like I have had a few issues with my asthma. Please read my previous post about my current workout split for more details.
2 - Goal Setting
I wish I had known the significance of setting realistic and achievable goals. Having a clear vision and breaking it down into smaller milestones makes it easier to stay motivated and track progress.
I’ve written many posts about setting goals; here is the most recent.
I learned that breaking down goals into smaller steps makes working towards bigger long-term goals so much easier.
3 - Rest days are important
Realizing that rest and recovery are as important as training would have been helpful. Rest days are essential for muscle repair and growth; overtraining can lead to burnout and injuries. Not just full rest days but active rest days focusing on mobility, stretching, core, and foam rolling. Even just a walk is helpful on active rest days,
4 - motivation comes and goes
I wish I had recognized the power of consistency. Consistency is the key to long-term success, and progress takes time. Small, consistent efforts compound over time and lead to incredible transformations.
The on-and-off pattern of my fitness journey has been because I have been relying on motivation, and it just doesn’t work that way. Please read my previous posts regarding motivation.
5 - Nutrition
I wish I had realized how nutrition is vital in achieving fitness goals. Understanding how to fuel the body with the right macronutrients and maintaining a balanced diet is essential for optimal performance and overall health.
If you are here and reading this, you are interested in your health and fitness and subscribed to My Active Life Members. That is so good; I am so excited for you! Taking care of your body is the best thing you can do for yourself in the present and the long term.
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for”
— unknown
I find that quote so inspiring. Hard work will pay off in the future, but you also have to live in the moment, and I feel like taking care of yourself is doing both. You are doing good for yourself now as well as for your future self.
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