“Fitness Tips” is a common Googled phrase. It can also be found in newsletters and searched on social platforms often. The results can be a wide range of information, some relevant to your fitness journey, and some not. Our INLIV personal fitness trainers and exercise physiologists share their tips for what to focus on when starting a new routine, and why focusing on physical fitness has been important to each of them. Hear right from the horses mouth, some “fitness tips.”
Jamie G’s Tips:
What is one tip to focus on when starting a new routine?
Step one to a successful workout plan is giving yourself time to work out and find activities that you genuinely enjoy doing. Your most important focus when starting a new routine is consistency. Everyone’s journey is different, so find exercises you enjoy doing. Use curiosity, variations, and progressions to build your routine. Don’t look at what others are doing to pressure yourself into that you think you should be doing.
Why is focusing on your physical fitness so important?
Over the past couple years, where so much as been out of our control, working on my physical fitness has given me a focal point and something I can control. I am typically booked up with coaching and playing hockey so when lockdowns kick in it is tough to adjust mentally to the new found free time. Working out and physical activity gives me a controllable schedule and has helped my mental health. I use working out, biking, hiking, running, and other sports.
What is one tip to focus on when starting a new routine?
Devise a plan of action to hold yourself accountable and maintain a consistent routine. Physical activity won’t just happen.
Why is focusing on your physical fitness so important?
Lately, I have been looking at physical activity from a longevity lens. As I age, I want to continue to do the activities that I love, such as workouts, skiing, hiking and indoor sports, for as long as I can.
Madison B’s Tips:
What is one tip to focus on when starting a new routine?
One tip I have when starting a new routine is to start small and try it for at least one month. The first few days and weeks can feel impossible when starting something new. This is why many people give up so soon! Push through that initial soreness, fatigue, confusion, and whatever feelings you may be experiencing for at least 4 weeks. It will be tough, but after that, I believe you will be a better judge in determining if this routine is for you. You may surprise yourself!
Why is focusing on your physical fitness so important?
For the past two years it has been hard to feel in control at times. Whether you are allowed to work at all, if you are working from home, if your kids are going to school or not, it can take it’s toll on your health. My own physical fitness, however, has consistently been something that I can control. I am in control of when, where, and how I exercise, and that’s a good feeling! It does wonders for my mental health.
What is one tip to focus on when starting a new routine?
Keep it short. I am way more likely to do a workout that takes 20 minutes than I am one that takes 60 minutes (Some people need to start with five minutes). One of the best workouts that I did in the last two years took me seven minutes. I didn’t feel like working out, but I had to just tell myself just go do something and that something took seven minutes, it was amazing for my mental health to have done something.
Why is focusing on your physical fitness so important?
Define your why. If you don’t have a good enough “why,” you will never be consistent. Your “why” is what is going to get you to exercise even on the days you don’t feel like it. One my whys is I want to be the grandpa that plays on the monkey bars with my grandchildren (I don’t have grandchildren yet). What do I need to start doing or stop doing today to make that happen?
Jamie W’s Tips:
What is one tip to focus on when starting a new routine?
Consistency will be your best tool when starting a new program. You may be starting slow, or jumping in with two feet by throwing yourself into a new routine. The key is to do your best to stick to a plan. It is okay to miss a workout or two! The compounding efforts over time are what will yield your results. So be consistent, and be patient!
Why is focusing on your physical fitness so important?
I found myself feeling much tighter, more sore, and just generally more lethargic over the past two years because I was not able to engage in some of the activities I loved to do. I have had to get pretty creative with my physical activity to keep myself moving. I began trying new things outdoors when possible, and engaging friends and family with my activities to keep me motivated and consistent. This outlet helped my body and mind feel better and connected me with new activities I have never tried before.