Believe it or not, the year 2017 is already coming toward a close.
This means shorter days, more time inside due to weather, and the holidays approaching.
As one year ends and a new one begins, there’s a good opportunity to hit reset on food and fitness goals. If you feel like your winter hibernation has taken its toll on your abs and calves, then kicking into gear this Fall is just what you need.
For most of us, starting a weight training routine can be daunting. I often find myself sticking to a simple 5k run to get and stay fit, but there is always a nagging voice in the back of my mind telling me I need more strength training. So, to beat my own fears of jumping into a weight training routine, I have put together some tips for beginners on how to get started. Read on if you are looking to tone up your body, but don’t quite know where to start.
1) Start Smart
There is no need to head straight for the technical weight machines at the gym. A beginners weight training routine should include activities that are simple, have a high learning curve and high benefits. The perfect equipment for this is the kettleball set. These simple, small pieces of gym equipment offer a whole body workout and will be beneficial from the beginning stages of weight training all the way through to when you are a bodybuilding expert.
2) Don’t Over Do It
Sometimes, getting that Spring training going involves a bit of panic of “….did I wait too late?”. Well, don’t hit it too hard at the beginning. Getting over sore or lifting too much too fast will backfire. You want to feel a weight lift the next day, but not to the point that you dread going back to the gym. Slow and steady wins the race, especially so you can develop good habits rather than sloppy ones.
3) Get Stronger
The goal of your weight lifting routine should be to get stronger. Progress will come with discipline and quality of your work outs. With each day of weightlifting, you should see your performance improving, which means you are getting stronger with each workout. Set some short and long terms goals, and be smart about how you progress.
4) Be Proud of Yourself
The fact that you are even reading this article means you are committed to improving your health and fitness. There will be days when the weights lift effortlessly over your head, followed by days when it feels like you are trying to lift a car. This is normal, it happens to everybody.
Celebrate the small wins and be proud of your dedication and progress. Strength doesn’t happen overnight, and keeping a positive attitude on the journey will get you out of bed and to an early gym session.
5) Respect Your Own Pace
I have a friend who thinks of doing crunches and her ab muscles seem to get stronger. Every body is so different, and this is certainly the case in how weight training progresses for each individual. Set a realistic goal and write it down in your diary so that you review it daily and track your progress.
While it is great to have photos of ideal bodies pinned to your fridge for inspiration, getting to that perfect shape may happen more quickly for your weight training buddy because of pure genetics. Don’t compare yourself to Instagram fitness models! Respect the pace your body is moving at, and stay focused on your own personal goals.
Beginning a weight training routine for the first time is exciting and can be highly rewarding when done correctly. Setting achievable goals and listening to your own body will get you to your goal much faster than trying to go big and hard too fast. I hope the tips provided in this article give you the confidence to get started, then the rest is up to you. Enjoy the progress as your fat burns off, your muscles become more toned and everyday you are one step closer to that perfect inspiration body you have taped on your fridge!
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