6 Tips on Getting Started Exercising

When you’ve finally decided it’s time to show your body a little love by moving it more, the next steps can be overwhelming. There are so many options and opinions out there on what the best way to exercise is, but finding what is right for you and your body doesn’t have to be a drag, nor does it have to be complicated. It just needs to be something that you enjoy and something that keeps you coming back for more, time and time again. 

We Make Exercise Complicated And It Doesn’t Need To Be

Working out and exercising is really pretty simple. Moving our bodies, especially as we get older can be intimidating, but if we really break it down it is actually pretty darn simple. It’s just the act of moving your body more and getting your heart rate up. 

People also tend to look at it as a burden, and something they have to do, instead of something they get to do. If that is you, then it’s time to find the type of exercise that you enjoy instead of what everyone else is either doing or telling you to do. Finding an activity that you look forward to will make all the difference in whether you stay consistent or not.

Go On Lots of First Dates With Exercise

You know when you’re in the dating world, there are usually lots of awkward first dates as you learn what you like and don’t like, what makes you come to life, and what bores you to tears. It’s not a bad idea to approach exercise the same way. Go on lots of first dates! Find out what fits you and what makes you want to go back for more. Hiking and dancing are vastly different, but they’re both great forms of exercise. You may love one and find that the other just isn’t for you. Maybe it’s some type of martial arts that gets your adrenaline pumping, or maybe it’s the heavy weights. Whatever it is, go on lots of first dates until you find just the perfect fit. And then when you find it, make it a regular habit.

Maybe incorporating several different types into your routine to keep it fun and exciting is the answer. Whatever it is, find what works for you, do it often, and push yourself past where you’re comfortable. You’ll be shocked at what you’re actually capable of, regardless of your age. 

Make it Fun

One of the biggest complaints about exercise is that it’s boring and takes too much effort. Sure, changing your body and creating healthy habits definitely takes extra effort. But that effort doesn’t have to be dull and miserable. Grab a friend and go try out the new Pilates studio. Or head out for a hike. Most likely, doing an activity with a friend will take the boredom out of it and you’ll find that, not only was it a ball of fun, but you also felt like you could conquer the world for the rest of the day. Exercise is funny like that. It can make you feel like the baddass that you really are, and it will have you craving that feeling over and over. (It’s all those happy hormones that were released!)

Don’t Stop!

Why is it that it’s so easy to quit on something when we don’t see results instantly? I mean, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so why do we think our bodies will miraculously change over night? Or even in a month? If only that were true. Unfortunately, physical changes take quite a bit longer than that. One of the two biggest keys to seeing positive results from working out is discipline and consistency. Showing up every once in a while and hitting it hard a day here and there isn’t going to cut it. But showing up 3-5 times a week and consistently pushing yourself will. 

Even though physical changes may take longer than you’d like, that doesn't mean you won’t see other positive changes sooner. You’ll most likely notice an improvement in your moods, in your sleep, and, if you’re resistance training, you will notice changes in your strength. And each time you start to notice those small, positive changes, it’s going to give you the motivation to continue pushing yourself. 

Age Isn’t An Excuse!

How many people have you heard say, “Oh, I can’t do that. I’m too old.” What???  Says who? Don’t listen to the voices in your head that are trying to get you to stop before you even start. Sure…sometimes age brings limiting factors, but more often than not, those limiting factors are much smaller than we make them out to be. There are some incredible women over 40 who are out there setting records and crushing goals. 

Get You Some Cute Workout Clothes

There is nothing like a new outfit to make a girl feel invincible and like she can take on anything that comes her way. Working out is no different! When you put on a new workout outfit that makes you feel good, it has the power to make your whole exercise regimen better. It can change your perspective from self doubt to self confidence, and give you the extra oomph you might need to get out there and push yourself past what you thought possible. And believe me, there’s no feeling like it. 

This Old Ass is Still a Badass Halter Tank

Find whatever it is that gets you excited about working out and you’ll likely find a community of like minded people who enjoy the same thing. With all the options out there today, there’s really no excuse to not be moving your body. From running clubs, yoga classes, to powerlifting….there is something for everyone. Find what lights up your soul and go after it. Chances are, you’ll find that you love it much more than you expected and your body will thank you in ways you never saw coming.