Help... I'm so unfit!
No matter how unfit you are the important thing is that you want to improve your fitness! Have a look at these tips to get you started on a pathway that increases your physical exercise.
Yay, you want to improve your fitness, making this a priority in your mind is the first step in starting. Congrats, you’re on your way to setting goals, seeking some help in where to start and making exercise a priority in your life!
Don’t think about ‘how unfit you are’ or ‘how fit you used to be’, it will give you a poor self image which can lead to self sabotage. Think about how to start and the day you start, congratulate yourself on taking the first step to change.
Start small and forget ‘what you used to be able to do’. I have gone from training for and running a half marathon (which is 21.2km) to no running at all. When ever I start back into running I start with a few walks to get used to my running shoes again, then I do a 3km jog for a week or 2, then I move to 5km for a couple of weeks and then go up from there depending on how my body feels. This process of small steps will help you with injury prevention and the motivation to do 2-3 sessions a week, as you won’t have completely burnt out your body in your first session back.
Think about your goals. What are you trying to achieve? Is it increased strength, flexibility, endurance or fitness? Is it heart disease or diabetes management or prevention? Is it a return to exercise from having an injury, illness or a baby? Is it for the social aspect? Once you realise why you want to get into exercise it will help you know where to go next. If you’re after some down time and running helps you clear your mind, a solitary run will be for you, but if you’re looking for someone to motivate you and help you achieve your goals a group fitness class, health retreat, running club or personal training sessions could be for you.
Celebrate starting. Day one is the hardest, once you’ve done something once you know you can do it again. Whether it is your first Spin class, yoga class or weights training session. Find what works for you and keep at it.
When your exercise routine hits a wall or stops completely don’t beat yourself up over it. It happens to everyone. The important thing is that you don’t make yourself feel bad because ‘you were doing so well and then haven’t done anything for ages’. Your body has muscle memory so it’ll be easier to get started again, and even if you start back at square one you’re doing your health and wellbeing a world of good.
Remember something is better than nothing!
And if you’re feeling really overwhelmed about how to get started, send me an email at thenotsoflexiyogi@gmail.com and I may just be the Personal Trainer or Nutrition Fitness Coach for you!
