Advice on Getting Started with Your Fitness Journey and Sticking to It

1. Write Down Your Goals

What do you want to achieve?

• Are you aiming for a specific body type?

• Do you want to run a 5K, a half marathon, or improve your endurance?

• Is your goal to improve your overall health?

Establish your goals and write them down. This will give you clarity and serve as a powerful motivator when you feel like giving up. Keep these goals somewhere visible—like on your fridge, phone wallpaper, or journal.

2. Learn What Type of Exercise Will Help You Reach Your Goals

Not all workouts are created equal, and what works for someone else might not work for you. For years, I avoided lifting weights because I thought it would make me bulky. I couldn’t have been more wrong!

My fitness journey truly began with CrossFit. While it might not be the perfect fit for everyone, it taught me the importance of mixing strength training with cardio. Take the time to educate yourself about different types of exercise:

• Strength Training: Builds muscle and improves joint health.

• Cardio: Helps burn fat and increases endurance.

• Flexibility Training: Enhances mobility and prevents injury.

If you’re unsure where to start, try fitness apps, YouTube channels, or online trainers. Some of my favorite tools include AloMoves for guided workouts.

3. Join a Community

One of the most game-changing things for my fitness journey was finding a community. It’s so much easier to stay motivated when you have others to support and encourage you.

For me, it was my 5 AM CrossFit class. Knowing that my workout buddies were expecting me kept me accountable—and those friendships turned into a huge source of motivation.

If you can’t join an in-person community, there are amazing online options:

• Workout Apps: Join live classes with an interactive leaderboard.

• Online Forums: Fitness groups on Facebook or Instagram can offer support.

• Virtual Personal Trainers: Many trainers provide accountability and feedback remotely.

  
  

4. Don’t Sprint Out of the Gates

I’ve seen this so many times—especially during New Year’s resolution season. People go all-in at the gym, overwork themselves, and then burn out after a few weeks.

Instead, start small. Begin with 2-3 workouts per week and gradually increase as you build the habit. On rest days, focus on active recovery—take a 10-minute walk, do light stretching, or even try yoga.

5. Focus on One Goal at a Time

It can be overwhelming to try to change multiple habits at once. That’s why I suggest starting with just one:

• Make exercise part of your weekly routine.

• Once that feels natural, start tracking your food intake.

• From there, incorporate healthier meal choices or increase your water intake.

Building habits step by step creates lasting change.

6. Be Mindful of What You Consume

Nutrition plays a huge role in your fitness journey. Start by taking a good look at what you’re eating each day. Tracking your calories or macros for even a week can be eye-opening.

You might realize that some “healthy” foods are loaded with sugar or empty calories. Tools like MyFitnessPal can make tracking easy. Also, consider meal prep services like HelloFresh to help you stay on track with nutritious meals.

Start Your Fitness Journey Today

Your fitness journey is personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re just starting out or getting back on track, remember that progress takes time. Celebrate small wins, stay consistent, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.

If you found these tips helpful, share them with someone who’s looking to start their own journey. And if you’re ready to dive in, check out my favorite fitness tools and resources here to kick-start your success!