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Starting Your Fitness Journey

Many questions come into our minds before we can even take our first step toward fitness.


Physical exercise might be the simplest yet one of the most efficient and consistent way to improve mental health, productivity, creativity and prevent illnesses. You might have been told several times about how good it is, and you’ve finally started out. Or you have been exercising for quite a while already. Wherever you are on your journey, I think it's always a great idea to cover the foundation, take a look back and reflect, if need be.

The Why

First and foremost, you must be aware of the why. Why is it that you are working out? Is there a goal? It can be very specific (eg. to have a body fat percentage below 15), or vague and abstract (eg. to become stronger). There is no golden formula, so pick what speaks personally to you. Having this covered would help you move forward consistently, and we can focus on more technical things from here on.
Learning basic movement patterns and mastering techniques will determine what your path ahead will hold for you. It might seem very simple at first glance, but if done incorrectly an exercise can do more harm than good. Practice bodyweight movements, use very light resistance (weights, bands, etc.), record yourself performing and exercising, and lastly, don’t shy away from asking for help! You might have to work on the last part if you’re not comfortable with letting others in on your weaknesses. Trust me, some people will judge whether you approach them or not. The benefits however will always outweigh the initial awkwardness.

Lifestyle

Fix all of your lifestyle habits. Particularly sitting posture, eating habits, screen time limitations, and bedtime routines. I don’t think I need to emphasize on nutrition as being an important factor determining your progress. Working on an obvious red flag is true here as well. Make a list of all the habits that you need to kick out and all those that you want to add on.

Adequate Recovery

Recovery is extremely important. The amount and quality of sleep, the foods you eat, the amount of water you consume, the rest you take between two consecutive workouts, and how you manage the intensity of exercise, along with actively stretching and foam rolling will all determine your recovery status. Basically, if your body hasn’t recovered from the previous exercise session, you won’t be able to perform during the successive workouts which will negatively affect your progress. I’ve written a few articles that explain in depth about all the science and logic behind it. Please don’t be the guy that doesn’t warm up or cool down.
Track your progress, either by writing it down or by recording videos of yourself at regular intervals. Not only does it tell you if you’re going in the right direction, it also motivates you, by showing you that your work is actually paying off.

Let Others Help With the Complicated Stuff

Last but not least, listen to your body and ask for professional help when you feel confused or lost at any point in your journey. Our healthcare professionals are eager to guide everyone along the right path. We are more than happy when one is curious to know more about their bodies and what is right for them. Remember to keep these things in perspective, and most of all, stay woke!
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