Imagine you’re going on a road trip. You throw some stuff in a backpack, hit the road, and just start driving. Initially, you feel great—excited for the adventure and the freedom. But after a while, reality sets in. Where are you going to sleep tonight? Where are you even going? You’re faced with a choice: start planning or give up and head back home.
This scenario may sound familiar, not just for road trips but also for fitness journeys. You know you need to exercise, but the options and uncertainties make it overwhelming. Should you use machines or free weights? Do cardio or focus on strength? Without a plan, you end up feeling lost and unsure if anything is working. It’s like driving aimlessly, hoping to stumble upon something exciting.
Here are five steps to help you plan your fitness routine and set yourself up for success:
- Start with your Schedule : Be honest about how many days you can realistically commit to working out. It’s better to start with a manageable schedule and feel successful than to overcommit and feel like a failure. 1is better than 0 days a week.
- Create a Structure: Depending on your schedule, aim for 2-3 strength training days and incorporate cardio as a bonus. For example, with 2 days to workout, focus on 2 full-body strength sessions. With 3 days, add in 1 cardio session.
- How do I choose strength exercises? Choose compound movements like squats, lunges, pull-ups, and presses. Aim for 3-5 sets of 5-15 reps for each exercise. Focus on good technique and make sure the weight is challenging, but you can complete the sets without sacrificing form.
- Incorporate cardio: Pick a cardio activity you enjoy and do it for 45 minutes. You can mix up machines and the intensity to keep it interesting. Include intervals where you push yourself for short bursts and then recover your breathing before doing the next interval.
- Stay consistent: Fitness is a lifelong journey. The key is to keep going. Injuries are rare if you approach training sensibly. Focus on your progress, not comparing yourself to others.
Remember, starting your fitness journey is like planning a road trip. You need a destination (your fitness goal), a map (your workout plan), and the right gear (your mindset and equipment).
