Getting into a workout routine can be incredibly difficult. This is especially true for those who don’t have any workout experience. A vital component of achieving a healthy lifestyle and body is to create a plan to follow. If you stick to a plan, and utilize the many resources available, you can accomplish wonders. Here’s an in-depth look on how to create a successful fitness plan and get in the best shape of your life.
Consider Where You’re Currently At
There are a few different levels you could be at as you enter the fitness game. Are you someone who hasn’t worked out in years, or is this your first time ever? This is something you need to consider, not just to keep your expectations in check, but to also realistically determine where you currently stand when it comes to your fitness. It can be easy to compare yourself to others, but the best way to overcome this is to stay off social media and worry about your own personal fitness goals.
Knowing where you’re at physically will also give you an idea of where to begin. If you feel comfortable with working out, then it will be easier to get back into it. If you’re doing it for the first time or haven’t in a while, expect it to take a while to get used to the feeling of working your muscles again. You also don’t want to go too hard right way—ease into it.
Determine Your Goals
The next step you want to take in creating a successful fitness plan is to determine your fitness goals. Like knowing where you physically stand, you need to figure out what you want to accomplish in the gym. Are you trying to lose weight, build muscle, or increase your flexibility? Answering these questions will help you design the workout program for your needs. There are plenty of resources you can use to find the workout plan catered to your goals.
Get the Equipment You Need
While you could spend a ton of money on an expensive gym membership, a better investment would be to buy the equipment yourself. At Top Fitness Store, there is a selection of Precor home fitness equipment available to help you get in the shape you desire. By deciding on a workout goal, you will now have an idea on the equipment you should fill your space with. Losing weight will require cardio and work done on machines such as treadmills and bikes. To build muscle, dumbbells, weigh plates, a bench, squat rack, and a functional trainer are a must.
Figure Out the Best Time
The next step in the early stages of your fitness planning is to decide on the best time to exercise. Some find it best to wake up early in the morning and get a workout in, while others may wait to do it later. There are huge benefits of both, but the point is to do it at the same time, consistently, multiple times a week. One of the great things about working out at home is you can do it whenever, so find a time in the day where you have 60 to 90 minutes to spare.
Create a Workout Schedule
Now that you’ve decided on a time, you now need to figure out what your workouts will consist of. The exercises you perform are determined by your goals. On your journey to build muscle, you will want to pair certain body groups together to maximize your workout routine. Men’s Health recommends you pair your chest, shoulders, and triceps for one day, and back, biceps, and abs on another. Then, you will schedule a leg day, which will work out your hamstrings, quads, and calves. Designate your days around these three routines, but don’t be afraid to mix it up.
For cardio, your routine is a bit different. Use treadmills and bike machines, and switch off between the two; add some other exercises to enhance your cardio workout. Exercises such as jumping rope and stairs are good options to mix into your workouts. Also, you need to decide when some days are for long distance and others for HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).
Get Help
No matter what fitness level you’re at, you should never be afraid to ask for some advice. As you return to form, you’re going to consistently learn more about how to improve your workouts. Continue to educate yourself and conduct research online; read articles and watch videos to motivate and inform you. You can also ask others who have more fitness knowledge, and don’t be afraid to get a personal trainer. If you feel you need it, a personal trainer is an excellent guide and motivator to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Push Yourself
The only way you will start to see results is if you truly push yourself when you work out. It’s easy for you to stick to the same workout routine lifting the same weights and running at the same pace. If you don’t continue to challenge yourself, you will not see those results. Don’t be afraid to fail either, as it’s more important to always work toward achieving something and improving. If you don’t push yourself, you will not achieve your fitness goals.
Keep Track of Your Progress
It’s also important to keep track of your progress as you work toward your goals. There are many ways you can do this, such as writing it in a notebook or using a fitness app on your phone. Keeping track and sharing your results can also help. A study from Dominican University of California found that, “70 percent of the participants who sent weekly updates to a friend reported successful goal achievement (completely accomplished their goal or were more than half way there), compared to 35 percent of those who kept their goals to themselves, without writing them down.”
It can also be easy to forget what you lifted previously, so keeping tabs on your progress will make sure that you work upwards.
Get Plenty of Rest/Recovery
While working out as much as you can is great, it’s incredibly important to include a rest day in your workout routine. There are many reasons why you should take at least one day off from the gym every week. You don’t want to overwork your body and potentially injure yourself, which will disrupt your fitness goals. Make sure you incorporate at least one rest day in your weekly workout schedule to stay on track.
Stick with It
The final thing you need to keep in mind is to stay motivated. You also can’t expect instant results. Getting in great shape is a long journey, and one that will eventually pay off if you stick to a good fitness plan. Holding yourself accountable and finding ways to get yourself motivated are the keys to attaining the goals you set.
