Starting a Successful Fitness Journey

Tips from a personal trainer for finding success in your fitness journey: Don’t let the start stop you!

By Heather Dixon

The biggest hurdle most of us face is getting started, so put simply, just get moving is the best, most direct advice. Don't focus on where you're NOT and let it stop you from starting! Start where you are.

Next, it helps to a plan that helps you progress to where you want to be. It takes a lot longer to get somewhere when you aren’t following directions, doesn’t it? Same goes with your health and especially your fitness. This is where you reap the most benefits from working with a personal trainer with experience in helping beginners (or post-partum) or post-op, post-time off, whichever category you find yourself.

While every journey is different, a certified trainer who specializes in certain populations knows the landmarks to look for and how to navigate the expected obstacles.

Thirdly, take small steps forwards vs big dramatic changes- your body will thank you! Take an exercise like the push up for example. I remember trying to do my first push ups post-partum, even though I could easily do them during my preganncy. Six weeks later it was like I’d never ever even done one! If you force it, you either get hurt, or discouraged.

If you can't do a set or even a single push up today, that is okay. You can get stronger! Start with a level you can do 5 of today. Whether it’s the wall, the counter, the back of the couch or a bench. Repeat until you're on the floor!

BONUS TIP: Having a way to measure and track your progress is super helpful and motivating as well. In fact, using my training app and recording workout stats (sets, reps, weights, notes etc) has helped 100% of my clients set personal bests, every single week. You can also use a notebook or a whiteboard or note on your phone.

Personal plug: if you’re in the market for a trainer and or a training program: My beginner Workout Programs for strength and cardio are excellent options and my client support is top notch. Limited spaces are available as I coach you weekly. I do not just send you a program and hope you follow it. You deserve better than that because your goals are important and I want you to reach them!

Program Launches 4/17/23 Pre-Launch Special Runs 4/2-4/14

I wouldn’t expect every day to be easy and it’s definitely NOT a straight line. Sometimes we start and stop and then proceed in a new way and that is 100% part of the journey. Don’t beat yourself up over it because that doesn’t help you stick with what you’re doing next. It’s normal to course correct. Life is all about adjusting but you have to be doing something in the first place to even adjust!

So get moving! Use these three tips and share your progress with me!