In many ways we who strive for every day fitness can consider ourselves as athletes in training, because improving personal fitness follows similar fitness regimes as those practiced by elite athletes.
The Importance of preparing for a start in fitness
Take for example the start of a race: for any athlete (ourselves included), it is by far the hardest part of the competition (fitness program). The athlete knows it will determine whether they win or lose the race.
Coaches will spend enormous time with their athletes in improving those few milliseconds from the “BANG” of the gun and the launch from the starting blocks.
We in everyday fitness sometimes fail to appreciate the importance of training for the start of a lifetime of fitness.
When we begin a fitness program, it ‘s hard to visualise it becoming a congruence part of our life, particularly if we have tried many other fitness programs before.
Underestimating the importance of the right mindset in starting a fitness program often leads to disappointment and eventually abandoning of the program altogether.
Being realistic about your fitness is understanding that fitness requires patience and persistence, like mastering a new skill, fitness is a progression at a level that is challenging but not impossible for you.
Three beginner fitness traps and how to avoid them
1. Doing too much too soon: Motivation and excitement at the beginning of a fitness program may seem explosive, as the hope for success is high and adrenaline is pumping. However, this enthusiasm will drive you only in the short term.
It is, therefore, important to learn how to reel in some of this excitement and go for a more steady state. Take the time to learn the basics of good exercising techniques and avoid injuries.
2. Ignoring recovery: Many beginners in fitness believe that they should get out there every day and train like mad; ignoring the importance of recovery on the body.
The body, especially if it has not exercised for a while, needs the time to catch up to what the mind knows it can do.
The waiting to recover may sound boring, however, in the long term, the body will become fitter and stronger faster given the time to recover and being consistent with your training.
3. Not having a goal or plan: The biggest killer to the start of any fitness program is no direction – getting fit for the sake of fitness doesn’t make sense.
A good goal, with a strong reason for the goal, will keep any beginner from straying into the abyss of the exercise mantra “I am too busy for self care”
When you feel that you can’t go on, your goals will save you and let you know that you have the power to start and keep going on your fitness journey.
Click here for this week’s home workout Term 1 Week 1
Eva and I are looking forward to an exciting year in fitness with you!
I leave you this week with a Peruvian Proverb that acknowledges that each step (providing it’s taken) gets you closer to fitness and well-being
“Little by little one walks far”
Live well with fitness!
Anna
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