Starting your fitness journey can be both exciting and intimidating. Let’s face it, exciting until you actually have to start. That’s when the anxiety sets in. What if I can’t do it? What if I look silly? What if I quit again? What if my personal trainer doesn’t listen to my concerns? What if I’m too old, too out of shape. These thoughts can be debilitating.
Whether you’re a beginner or have had previous attempts at starting your fitness journey, we will guide you through the process of starting your fitness journey, providing practical steps to help you overcome your fears and enjoy getting healthy and fit. Northglenn Health and Fitness, a personal training and nutrition coaching studio in Northglenn, Colorado, has been instrumental in helping individuals conquer their fear of going to the gym.
Step 1: Be Clear and Realistic About What You Want when Starting Your Fitness Journey
The first step in starting your fitness journey is to define what you want and what is realistic. Is it losing weight, building strength, improving endurance, or simply leading a healthier lifestyle or is it more specific, losing 25lbs before you go on vacation or get married. Setting realistic goals that align with what you are willing to do is crucial. If it’s fitness you want, exercise is a strong component, and nutrition will bolster those results. If it’s weight loss you want, it’s not going to happen with fitness alone. In fact, you might gain in the beginning due to an increase in water or muscle. Nutrition is for weight loss, exercise if for stronger bones, muscles, endurance, etc. Both are the key to health and fitness. Keep all changes you are willing to make to get the results you want small and attainable. Milestones that are more sustainable are more motivating in the long run.
Step 2: Find Your Motivation when Starting Your Fitness Journey
You know what you want now, but is that enough? What truly motivates you to pursue a healthier lifestyle? Is it to feel more confident, increase your energy levels, or set a positive example for your loved ones? Are you putting off going to the doctor because they are going to put you on a scale and tell you that you are borderline diabetic? Understanding your motivation will help you stay focused and committed during challenging times. Remind yourself of your “why” regularly to keep your drive alive when starting your fitness journey. If it’s just about getting a workout, that is not enough motivation for most people. Sit down and think about why this is important to you and reflect back on that in the times where you don’t want to show up for yourself. If that’s not enough, hire a coach. Their job is to get you to show up and follow the program.
Step 3: Follow a Exercise Plan Built for You
You can get a workout anywhere, access to that is never an issue for anyone. Free Yoga, Zumba, Strength Training, Cardio, are all very easily available online. Those programs don’t work for people that need accountability, or people who need workouts built around minor or major limitations. An exercise plan (program) built for YOU is key to achieving your fitness goals. Find a personal trainer who “interviews” you to determine what you are after, works with people like you, asks about your limitations and starts you off with basic movements to ensure you know the foundation of how to move properly before they get into anything above the level you are now. If a personal trainer designs a program for a brand new client to do box jumps when they are over 50, haven’t exercised in years and are overweight, they should have you running (ahem, walking) for the hills. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to reduce the risk of injury.
Marie overcame her fear of the gym when she found Northglenn Health and Fitness. This is what she had to say just 8 weeks after starting, and she is still here prioritizing her health 1.5 years later.
I have always struggled with gyms and wasted a lot of money on memberships that were left unused because I felt awkward and didn’t fit in. In 2022, I needed to really make a change.. and in my search I found NHF. I can’t find the right words to express how grateful I am to have found this place. For the first time ‘ever’ I don’t feel so awkward at the gym. There is no competition (other than with yourself). There is instead an exceptionally friendly atmosphere and supporting coaches (nutrition & fitness) who absolutely care about you and want you to succeed in your wellness journey. Wow, what a change! After coming here for 8 weeks, my body has changed, clothes fit better, I ‘want’ to workout, I have better clarity (my brain is back!) and I’m making new friends! I have nothing negative to say about this place. If you’re reading this review and are on the fence about signing up, DO IT! You will not regret it. Hands down, best gym in the area. Seriously, come in and talk to the owners Jennifer and Patrick, they are wonderful people and will set you up for success! Also, the members (myself included) will be there to cheer you as well.
– Marie, Client of Northglenn Health and Fitness
Step 4: Make Healthy Nutrition Choices
Alongside regular exercise, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Opt for a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. And stop focusing on what foods to cut out. If you focus on what TO eat vs what NOT to eat, you can prioritize the foods that fuel your body and then you will have little room for the stuff in the pantry or in the drive thru. Stay hydrated and be mindful of portion sizes when it comes to snacking or desserts. Working with a nutrition coach can provide you with personalized guidance based on your current nutrition habits and improving them step by step.
Step 5: Establish a Routine and Stay Consistent
Consistency is key to achieving long-term success in your life. Establish a workout routine that works for you and fits into your schedule. Set aside dedicated time for each day for exercise, making it a non-negotiable part of your day. Create a schedule that includes both fitness and nutrition planning. If it’s not on your schedule, it’s not a priority.
Remember that your fitness journey is a marathon, not a sprint. In order for anything to “work” you have to stick with it. If you change tactics every few weeks, it is not surprising that results don’t stick. Embrace the process and celebrate your milestones along the way. Recognize and appreciate the progress you make, no matter how small it may seem. Patience and self-compassion, and showing up for yourself, are essential to maintaining a positive mindset.
Ready to begin your fitness journey and conquer your fear of the gym? Northglenn Health and Fitness is here to support you every step of the way! Our personalized training and nutrition coaching will help you achieve your goals in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. Take the first step towards a healthier you by signing up for our FREE intro! Click here to get started: https://northglennhealthandfitness.com/free-intro/