GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR HOME FITNESS JOURNEY

So, you've made the decision to embark on a home fitness journey - congratulations! Taking this step towards a healthier lifestyle is not only commendable but also incredibly beneficial for your overall well-being. Whether you want to shed a few pounds, gain strength, or simply improve your overall fitness level, incorporating regular exercise into your routine is key. In this blog post, we'll guide you through some important considerations and tips for getting started on your home fitness journey.

The first step in any fitness journey is setting goals. Having specific and realistic goals helps to keep you disciplined and focused. Ask yourself - what do you want to achieve through your fitness journey? Better health? Improved energy levels? Increased muscle tone? Weight loss? Identifying these goals will help you tailor your workouts and stay on track. Mine is personally to live a healthy lifestyle. Live life to the fullest and be able to enjoy time with kids without have any physical limitations. I also want to live a long life and be there for my kids and my grandkids for as long as possible.

Further along in the is blog we will start talking about the second big step in this and that is nutrition. I am not a licensed nutritionist or fitness trainer but have study both topics for many years. I have a great understanding in both and generally want to help everyone have a better, healthier life. I have lost a lot of people early in their life from poor nutrition and fitness, that led to other disease and illness. I don't wish that on anyone and don't want to put my family through that either. I have a real passion for fitness and workout almost every day and enjoy it very much.

As I stated before, one great reason to start a home fitness routine is the ability to play with your kids or grandkids more actively. Perhaps you've noticed that you can't keep up with them as easily as before and want to change that. Incorporating exercises that improve your endurance, flexibility, and strength will allow you to keep up with the little ones and have more quality time together.

Another motivating factor for beginning a fitness journey is the prospect of participating in a new fitness event. Whether it's a 5K run, a charity bike ride, or a virtual fitness challenge, having an event on the horizon can provide a tangible goal to work towards. Plus, it adds an element of excitement and adventure to your fitness routine. I personally just signed up for a half marathon in 4 months. I very excited for that challenge. I think having goals like this are very important to help keep your discipline.

You will notice me repeatedly talk about discipline rather than motivation. I feel that discipline is far superior to motivation. Motivation can fade on a bad day. Maybe you didn't sleep well the night before or you just had a bad day. That motivation will just be gone. On the other hand, if you have discipline and understand that no matter what you will work out that day, you will achieve your goals and set a lifestyle change that will translate into other areas of your life.

According to the CDC, physical activity is one lifestyle change you can inherit, that has the greatest effect on so many areas of health in your life.

An important key reminder is to assess your fitness limitations. Are there any physical conditions or injuries that may restrict certain exercises? Understanding your body's capabilities and limitations will help you choose suitable exercises and avoid potential injuries. If you have any concerns, it's recommended to consult with your doctor or a fitness professional before starting a new exercise program.

Considering the space available to you, is a must when starting to plan your fitness routines and possibly start buying equipment. Whether you have an entire room, garage or just a small corner of your living room, make the most of the space you have. You don't need fancy equipment to get started - bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and planks can be highly effective and require minimal space.

Time is another important factor to consider. Evaluate how much time you can realistically commit to exercising each day or week. Setting aside dedicated time for your workouts will help ensure consistency and make it easier to form a habit. Even 10 or 15 minutes of exercise can make a significant difference in your fitness journey.

Now that you've taken these considerations into account, it's time to set a solid, easy-to-follow routine. Choose exercises that you enjoy and that align with your fitness goals. If you love dancing, consider incorporating dance workouts into your routine. If you prefer the outdoors, try jogging or cycling. The key is to find activities that you find enjoyable, as it will increase your chances of sticking to your routine long-term. We will explore many options in the future.

Remember, starting a home fitness journey is a personal commitment, but it doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Consider joining online fitness communities or finding a workout buddy to help keep you motivated and accountable.

So, with these tips in mind, it's time to get moving! Begin your home fitness journey by setting achievable goals, assessing your limitations, finding an exercise routine you enjoy, and making the most of your available time and space. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you. Let's get started!

By Nate Dudenhoeffer 2023

CDC (2023, June 28). Benefits of Physical Activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 29, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm