HOW TO START WORKING OUT
Looking to start your fitness journey? Learn the best tips for workout beginners to make the most out of your workouts and achieve results.
Are you someone who scrolls through fitness blogs, watches Reels about getting in shape, or checks out TikTok workouts but still feels unsure of where or how to start? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place!
I have been working out for most of my life, starting with competitive swimming at 11 years old. While I did not swim in college, I kept up a near-daily workout routine and continue to make fitness a priority in my life. Working out helps me stay clear-headed, energized, disciplined, and lifts my mood. Although I have not had to start fresh with a workout routine in a long time, I’ve helped many friends begin their fitness journey and get through those tough days where giving up feels easier than continuing.
On average, it takes around 60 days—or roughly 8 weeks—to build a habit. Below, I have outlined an 8-week plan to gradually introduce routine changes, exercises, and progression to help you form a lasting workout habit.
Week 1-2: Prove to Yourself
Choose 3 days during your first week and commit to a 20-minute walk each day. Find the time that works best for you—whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or in the evening. The goal of these first two weeks is to prove that you do have the time and commitment for a new habit. Once you complete this, you’ll find the rest becomes more natural. The first week is often the hardest, but once you pass it, you’ll feel more capable of sticking with it.
Week 3-4: Add Some Variety
Now that you’ve shown yourself you can make time for fitness, it’s time to mix things up. Swap out one or two of your walking days for bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, or push-ups. You can keep it simple but effective.
Week 5-6: Turn Up the Intensity
By this point, you should be more comfortable with your routine. Now it’s time to up the intensity. Start incorporating weights into your workouts, and swap one of your walking days for a run. You could even add HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) into your mix.
Week 7-8: Make It a Lifestyle
By now, you should feel stronger and more motivated to keep going. To stay driven, I recommend setting short-term goals, no longer than two months at a time, whether they’re strength- or cardio-focused. This approach helps prevent burnout and keeps you excited by setting realistic, achievable goals.
Remember to give yourself grace on this journey. Rest when your body needs it, and if you’re too sore for a planned workout, swap it for a lower impact workout, like a walk outdoors. The key is consistency. Once you get into the habit of working out 3-4 times a week, it will become something you can’t imagine life without.
Hi there, and welcome to my little corner of the internet! I’m Kaitlyn, and I am so excited to have you here. The Live Lueur blog is fueled by my personal journey toward healing my thyroid by living a healthier, more balanced life, and to inspire you one step at a time, through small, sustainable changes.
WHERE TO BEGIN
HOW TO START WORKING OUT
Are you someone who scrolls through fitness blogs, watches Reels about getting in shape, or checks out TikTok workouts but still feels unsure of where or how to start? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place!
HOW TO START YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY
Discover the key to successful fitness journey: setting realistic goals. Find out how to stay committed and motivated for long-term benefits.