Beginning an exercise regimen can be difficult and intimidating but it doesn’t have to be.  I sat down with Karli Barnett from 13 WMAZ recently to talk about getting started with a fitness routine and staying on track.  First things first, it is ok to be a beginner.  Everyone has to start somewhere. You may find yourself intimidated when walking into a gym for the first time.  There are so many machines and in the beginning, we have little clue how to use them.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

One way to stay on track is to hire a coach to help guide you through your workouts.  It’s difficult to know what all of the equipment in a gym is used for and how to use it.  Proper form is key to not getting injured. More often than not people go to a gym and workout getting little or no results.  Having a fitness coach will not only guide you through the workout but they will hold you accountable during your journey.

There was a period where I went to the gym myself to workout and wasn’t getting the results I wanted.  Being a fitness coach, you would think I wouldn’t have a problem.  However, even now after being in fitness competitions and in the best shape of my life I still need a coach to keep me going and to hold me accountable.

Another way to stay on track is to have a goal.  It should be a goal you know you can reach within a reasonable amount of time.  I like to set a time limit for my goals.  Usually, a month is a short enough time that reaching the goal doesn’t seem like such a big commitment and will be within reach.  Don’t be discouraged if you don’t reach your goal the first time.  It’s ok to go back and revisit it again later.

Strive for progress, not perfection.

Check out the video below for more from my interview with Karli Barnett 13 WMAZ.

Happy Working Out!

Alli