5 Perfect Tips to Start Your Online Fitness Journey

Congratulations on taking the first step on your health and fitness journey! Starting anything new can make you second-guess your decision and even stall taking action. As a fitness coach, I get excited to see people start exercising but sadly have seen some common mistakes that prevent them from doing their next workout. Here are my top 5 tips to ensure your success in your online fitness journey.

1. Prepare

Benjamin Franklin said, “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Set yourself up for success by preparing your mindset and your physical space. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move. Arrange your workout area with enough room to exercise and to visibly see your device. Use a comfortable mat and have a towel and water nearby. Understand that your first workout may be challenging but you’ll feel amazing after you complete it!

2. Choose the Right Level

It’s so important that you select your correct fitness level. Choose the wrong level and you can injure yourself, it can be ineffective or can be discouraging. Know that the indicated calorie burn in a workout is approximate and can vary from person to person, so don’t use calorie burn as a gauge to select your workout. If you complete a workout that is perfect for your current fitness level, you’ll enjoy the workout and progress safely.

3. Focus on Quality Form

Proper form through the full range of motion is more important than speed and quantity. Execute an exercise with quality form and you’ll prevent injuries, correct muscle imbalances and guarantees an effective workout. You’ve invested the time to work out, so make every minute count.

4. Be consistent

Be honest, how many times have you ‘started’ making exercising a routine? You’re excited to start working out and begin exercising every day for an entire week. But then you stop because life happens. You start again in 3 months and stop shortly after. Or, you work out hard for 5 days in a row to exhaustion. To truly reach your fitness goals, consistency is key. If you’re consistent every week, you’ll not only see results, but they’ll be long-lasting as you create positive habits for life.

5. Celebrate Your Small Wins

Every step towards your health and fitness should be celebrated and rewarded. Your decision to put on your workout clothes and complete a session is already a mental conversation you won. Excuses can get the best of us so pushing through a challenging workout deserves a BIG HIGH FIVE! Not only will you reap the benefits of an instant endorphins boost but your body and mind will thank you. To reinforce your positive behavior further, reward yourself. Go ahead, take that luxurious bath or buy new workout gear—you’ve earned it!

With a little more insight on some common mistakes, you’re now prepared and know what to expect to avoid them. Enjoy your workout and most importantly—HAVE FUN!

To your health and happiness,
Marife