You don't need to feel intimidated by the thought of working out. Starting a workout routine can be easy and fun, as long as you take it one step at a time. Making movement a priority is the first step in beginning a workout routine. Once you start moving and build up your tolerance, you can then focus on adding variety and challenge to your workouts to keep them interesting.
Not only is working out an excellent habit to build into your routine, but it can offer fantastic benefits for your physical and mental health. With so many different ways to work out, from walking to Pilates, swimming and HIIT classes, there's definitely an activity out there for everyone. And, as a bonus, once you start seeing and feeling the benefits of working out, it'll be much easier to keep at it!
What Types of Exercise Are There?
Before you start working out, it's essential to understand the different types of exercise available to you. Doing this will help you determine which activities best suit your wellbeing needs and goals.
There are said to be four main types of exercise: aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility.
- Aerobic exercise, which can be known as cardiovascular exercise, is any activity that gets your heart rate up and makes you breathe harder. Aerobic exercise could include wellness activities like walking, jogging, biking, dancing, or swimming.
- Muscle-strengthening exercise is any activity that helps build muscle mass and strength. Strengthening exercises could include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or doing bodyweight exercises like push-ups and sit-ups.
- Balance exercise is any activity that helps improve your balance and coordination. These exercises could include Tai Chi, Pilates, or certain sports, such as horseback riding and badminton.
- Flexibility exercise is any activity that helps improve your range of motion and flexibility. Flexibility-building exercises could include activities like stretching, yoga, or foam rolling.
Now that you know the different exercise types available, it's time to start thinking about which ones you'd like to incorporate into your workout routine. Remember that you don't have to do all four types of exercise; you can choose which ones you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle.
How to Start Working Out for Beginners
If you're struggling to start working out, or are curious about how to start, let's take a look at some points to keep in mind.
Make Movement a Priority
The first step in starting a workout routine is prioritising it. If you don't have the drive or mindset to start, it isn't going to happen. You must set aside time each day to incorporate exercise into your routine. As soon as your priorities shift, it will become much easier to achieve your working-out dreams.
Focus Your Mindset
If you're struggling to get started with working out, you need to consider if there are any underlying reasons for this. For example, are you feeling too intimidated to start? Do you feel like you don't have enough time? Are you worried about not being able to stick with it? Once you identify any potential roadblocks, you can then start to work on shifting your mindset.
Remember that everyone has to start somewhere!
If you are struggling with focus, there are a range of wellness activities you can try. For example, you could try meditation or aromatherapy. Various essential oils can help with focus, make you feel energised and even help with your mental health.
Set Some Goals
It can be helpful to set some specific goals when starting out with working out. Not only will this give you something to strive for, but it can also help to keep you motivated. When setting goals, consider making them SMART:
S – Specific: Your goals should be specific and unambiguous.
M – Measurable: You should be able to efficiently track your progress towards your goal.
A – Achievable: Your goal should be realistic and achievable.
R – Relevant: Your goal should be relevant to your overall fitness goals.
T – Time-bound: Your plan should have a deadline or time frame attached to it, where appropriate (don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself!)
Some examples of SMART goals for working out and wellbeing could be "I will walk for 30 minutes, five days per week" or "I will attend a yoga class once per week."
Slow and Steady
When starting with working out, it's essential to take things slow and steady. Doing this means gradually increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of your workouts. When you do this, you are ensuring you are not putting pressure on yourself, which can positively affect your mental health (as it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when working on a new fitness goal) and your physical wellbeing.
For example, if you're just starting out, you may want to begin by working out one or two days per week for 10-20 minutes. As you become more comfortable with this, you can increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. Remember to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.
Keep It Fresh
One way to add variety to your workouts is by trying different activities. You might want to try hiking or kayaking if you enjoy being outdoors. Or, if you prefer indoor activities, you could try a dance class or yoga. There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding a wellness activity that you enjoy, so make sure to experiment until you find something that works for you.
A Final Look at Working Out for Beginners: Get Started Today
Now that you know how to start working out, it's time to start! Remember to take things slow, focus on your mindset, and set some realistic goals. Most importantly, find an activity you enjoy and make it a regular part of your life. With consistency and dedication, you'll be on your way to achieving your fitness goals in no time.
If focusing on your wellness and overall wellbeing is something you are striving for, be sure to check out our range of essential oils! We offer various high-quality oils that can help you with your goals. Whether you wish to add aromatherapy into your wellness routine, to relax after a workout session, or you are looking for an oil to help with focus, we have something for everyone.