Five Tips For Every Fitness Newbie

So you want to give this whole health and fitness thing a try. Good for you! Whether that’s why you’ve visited STRIVE with Janelle or not, we’re glad you’re here.

Now that you’ve made the decision to get moving, we bet you have some questions like, where do I even start?

That’s a great question and one so many people don’t get the answer to. We want to let you know everyone here has been in your shoes. We made the decision to get in shape (which is the most important step), but then we weren’t really quite sure what to do next. Do we just hop on a treadmill for five hours straight? Grab some weights and start “pumping iron”? Try Prancersize?

First of all, the answer to all of the above is no. Especially the Prancersizing. Second of all, don’t get overwhelmed.

STRIVE with Janelle was created to help people just like you get started on their fitness journey, and we’ve compiled a list of tips that got (and kept) us on the fitness track!

Know Your Goal

Do you want to lose weight? Tone up? Run a 5K? Knowing what you’re hoping to achieve helps you choose the right exercises and measure the results of your efforts.

Start Slow

You’re excited and that’s awesome! But working out seven days a week for two hours a day may be the quickest route to burn-out city (and maybe even injury). Try starting with 15-20 minutes of exercise five days a week, or even break it up into two 10 minute segments a day, just to get into the habit of moving. Depending on your goals, this can be anything from walking to a yoga class. But if you’re not sure what to do, try our new On Demand videos (located in our Essentials Store). They’re quick and ideal for beginners. Plus you can do them from home!

Find Accountability

We are such advocates for this at STRIVE with Janelle because we have seen the difference having a personal trainer or workout buddy can make. It’s easy to hit snooze and blow off your 6:30am gym, but if you know your friend is saving you a bike in that busy spin class, or waiting for you at the park then you are much more likely to keep your workout promise.

Switch It Up

Even if your goal is to eventually run a mile, that doesn’t mean all you can do is run. You’ll likely get bored of doing the same thing and may give up. Try various forms of cardio like walking, interval training, biking or Vinyasa yoga, but also work in other exercises like strength training and stretching to keep your routine interesting. 

Stay Hydrated

There’s a reason our doctors have been telling us to drink at least eight glasses of water a day since the beginning of time. Our brain is made up of 75% of the stuff and we need it to function, especially when we start working out. Make sure to stay hydrated before, during and after your workouts.

Like we said, STRIVE with Janelle was designed to make a healthier lifestyle possible for everyone. We’d love to hear how else we can help #MakeTheMostOfYou. Let us know in the comments!