6 Great Beginner Exercise Tips

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen. Michael Jordan

Most people long to get fit, stay fit or return to being fit, but when it comes to how to get fit for beginners there are certain tips that can help.

In this article, you’ll find out about how to start gyming, as well as advice for beginner exercise and workouts to do at home. You’ll also find out about how to stay motivated and how to establish a routine that will turn your beginner workout into a good routine.

Benefits of a Beginner Workout

It’s common knowledge that exercise offers many benefits, including rehabilitation after injury.

If the idea of how to start gyming seems too difficult, be reminded that even beginner exercise has these huge benefits:

• A lower risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Helping to manage blood pressure
• Balancing blood sugar and reducing the risk of diabetes
• Combating stress and anxiety
• Sleeping better
• Strengthening bones
• Improving your immune system
• Reducing the risk of certain cancers
• Maintaining a healthy physique
• Losing or managing weight
• Slowing the ageing process
• Reducing the risks of back pain
• Improving wellbeing

Apart from the mental and physical benefits associated with exercise, it can also be a source for motivation in all areas of one’s life. Before you consider how to get fit for beginners or what kind of workouts to do at home, think about why you want to exercise and what you hope to achieve from your beginner workout.

Whatever your reasons, remember that exercising regularly is really where you will reap benefits.

Choose a Beginner Workout that is Right for You

Whether you opt for workouts to do at home or a beginner exercise class at the gym, you will need motivation. Like most things in life, when you are passionate about it, it will not feel like an obligation.     

Once you have established your motivation to exercise, think about the kind of activities that will work for you. If you have no idea how to start gyming or how to get fit for beginners, here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Power walking
• Cycling
• Boxing
• Volleyball
• Aquagym
• HIIT
• Light aerobic sessions
• Crossfit
• Nordic walking
• Jogging
• Qi Gong
• Rugby
• Walking
• Tai Chi
• Long-distance running
• Swimming.

Consider whether you are more suited to individual or team sports. From there, search for workouts to do at home that will support your interest.

There is also the option of taking group class sessions or hiring a private fitness coach who is an expert at beginner exercise.

As a beginner, it is wise to always start with something gentle and to make sure that your activity is suited to your current fitness level. If it seems like you are taking ‘baby steps’ don’t be discouraged because bit by bit, you will get better.

If your fitness is above average, then you could consider group or private workouts to do at home that is high intensity.

Either way, having a fitness coach to push you is always extremely helpful.

Establish a Beginner Workout Routine

To establish a good exercise routine, you should aim to workout at least three times per week. Ideally, sessions should be 30 to 60 minutes which will give you enough time to warm up, workout and then cool down.

If going to the gym is appealing, make sure you pick times that work for you and do not disrupt your overall life schedule.

If you’re wondering about how to get fit for beginners at home, there are many online channels and apps to choose from. You could also find a private coach who is willing to give you online sessions.

Good advice is to try and begin your exercise routine on a Monday to get the week off to a good start.

Set Goals

It’s always good to set goals. A good way to do this is to use the SMARTER method which will ensure that your goals are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Time-Related
• Exciting
• Rewarding.

This is an excellent method to kick-start your exercise routine. When you set achievable goals, you’ll be able to turn your weaknesses into strengths and this in turn, will continue to motivate you to keep going.

The key is to set goals that are not too ambitious. The idea is to push yourself and have short and long-term goals without burning yourself out before you even get started. When you meet your goals, they will help to keep you motivated. If you fail, don’t be hard on yourself, it takes time to set a routine and set healthy habits.

Once you start achieving goals it will also help to keep you motivated. Here are a few benefits that you can look forward to:

• Losing weight
• Building muscle
• Toning muscle
• Getting back into shape after pregnancy
• Motivation for regular exercise
• Living a healthier life
• Staying motivated.

Track Your Progress

You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them. Michael Jordan

Regular exercise will help progress your fitness. Think about your objectives. What are you hoping to achieve? Is it losing weight or getting in shape? If you are running, you could try apps like Runtastic, Strava and Google Fit to keep track of your runs as well as your pace, distance and calories burnt.

If you’re looking to lose weight, keep an eye on your scales. There are even smart scales that can measure your muscle mass and body fat. For those looking to build muscle, a tape measure is a good way to track your progress. For different sports and exercises, there are different ways to track your progress. Take pride in your achievements too, as this will help keep you motivated.

Enjoy it

Above all, exercise should be enjoyable, don’t make it a chore especially if you aim to make it a regular thing.

It may be helpful to think about exercise as a gift for both your body and mind. Find a sport that you enjoy as when you have to force yourself it will not be sustainable in the long term.

As mentioned, exercising regularly is recommended but try not to put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Even if you only manage one hour a week, remember that it is better than nothing. Start slowly and start gently. Try to do things that you like so that you feel the gratification that comes with seeing results.

Never overdo it and always opt for exercises of moderate intensity over high intensity as a beginner.

Good advice is to find a space that you like for your exercise routines. Also, invest in comfortable workout clothes.

To get into a regular exercise routine where staying motivated and accountable is possible, it is good idea to find a personal trainer. This way, you will ensure that your sessions are personalised to meet your goals and you get to have peace of mind in knowing that you are doing everything correctly. Remember that having someone to monitor your form will ensure that you get the most out of the movement and prevent injury.

A great benefit of using Superprof is that many personal trainers will offer their introductory sessions for free. This provides you with the unique opportunity to ask them about themselves and also to discuss your goals for getting fit. So whether you want to tone and strengthen or get fit, that first session is a good time to discuss your objectives.

Superprof coaches cater for every budget because there are so many options. You could choose to work with a trainer one-on-one or save costs by partnering with a buddy. Individual sessions will be the more expensive route to take, but the advantage is that you will have input and the assurance that all the exercises are included with only your goals in mind.

There are Superprof trainers worldwide and in every corner of South Africa too. An easy way to go about finding the right one for you is to use the location tool on the website to find a coach who is located close to you. Your other option, in this digitally-prevalent world, is to find an online coach from anywhere and this will lower your costs too.