So you want to start working out, but you are unsure of what that entails. I used to lift last year and then stopped when life got crazy. But I decided I want to start again to become a better me. I want to help motivate anyone who is thinking about working out but is a little hesitant.
1. The first week is always the hardest
Most of the time, people get really excited to start working out, but after the first day, they realize that working out isn't easy and want to quit early. Push through that first week, and it will get easier. When you think about quitting, remember why you started.
2. Find a workout buddy
The purpose of a workout buddy is to help motivate each other. It's so easy to go to the gym and "half-ass it." But if you have someone there to push you, you'll get a much better workout. Now, I'm not saying that you or anyone else can't go to the gym alone and give 110%, it's just easy to slack off if no one is watching you
3. You're going to be sore
When you wake up the next day after your first workout, you'll immediately feel your muscles aching. Do not let this defeat you! Use it as motivation. Soreness is a message to yourself saying you worked hard in the gym yesterday and to keep it up.
4. Do not judge yourself to others
Everyone has to start somewhere. So when you go in the first day and see someone benching 315 lbs. for 10 reps or someone running a mile in 5 minutes, don't compare yourself with them. It's okay to start with the 5 lbs. The only person you are competing with is you.
5. Set goals
Everyone has a reason for working out. Unfortunately, you are not going to be there after a month of training, but a good way to get to where you want to be is to set small goals. Maybe today you squatted 95 lbs. for six reps. So next week, you tell yourself to get 95 lbs. for eight reps. After that week, you try to get 105 lbs. for 6 reps and so on. Working out is a slow process. In order to achieve your goals, like with anything else, you have to be patient and persistent.
6. Warm up
This might seem silly and unnecessary, but it is important. Walking into the gym with cold muscles and going into vigorous exercise is not good for your body. Start by doing a light jog or what's known as dynamic warm-up exercises, such as arm circles or high knees. Your muscles need to be prepared before working out. You wouldn't want to take a test without studying, right?
7. Take progress pictures
This is your chance to look at where you started and where you are now. You don't have to show these to anyone else. It's just a little motivation for you.
8. Find/make a workout playlist
Most people I know have certain music that they listen to while working out that gets them going. I've seen people listen to Adele all the way to AC/DC. Something to keep you moving.
9. Find inspiration
You want to be a better you; that is your inspiration, yes, but you need something more specific to keep you going. But one thing that always inspired me was Eric Thomas videos. Thomas is a motivational speaker and does talks about all kinds of sports teams and organizations. I feel like I can run through a wall when I watch his videos.
10. Workout properly
While lifting and exercising can be super beneficial to your health, it can also be dangerous, especially if you're just starting out. Make sure you know how to properly do an exercise before you start. If you don't know how to, research online or ask someone for help. You might seem embarrassed going up to a stranger, but don't be. It's better than not being able to workout for a week or two because you injured yourself.
