Start Your Exercise Journey Today

Thinking about getting back in shape? You haven’t worked out since when?  The summer got away from you?   Whatever you did or didn’t do does not really matter because it’s in the past. Today is the day for positive change. How do you start your exercise journey?

We all know how important it is to take care of our body for our overall health. First of all, we all know we need to eat healthy. Getting enough fruits and veggies and managing a balanced diet is so important.  Secondly, we need to make sure we are staying active and exercising, which can mean different things to all ages, sizes, and genders.

In working with my fitness clients, I have learned several things that they have found to be helpful, and so will you:

First things first

Do your thinking patterns need to be altered or at least shifted in such a way that your workouts become a priority in your weekly schedule? Now, be honest with yourself! Without the proper mindset you are defeated before you start.

Choose something that you like to do

My thing is dancing: ballet modern, African, folk, you name it. It is a disciplinarian who will do this type of exercise alone, so find a class if you are not inspired to work by yourself. If you like running, go for it, however don’t try six miles the first day! You get the picture.

Accept your current level of fitness

Finally, it is most important that you know and accept your current level of fitness and start right where you are. Whatever the exercise, start there until you feel strong enough to go to the next level. It may mean less weight, less miles or less area covered. One example is the Pilates leg circle. This exercise is done lying on one’s back, making a large circle from the hip with a straight leg. A client of mine didn’t have the strength to do a full circle with her leg extended so I had her do a smaller circle until that was strong, and then I had her make the circle a little larger. She worked there for a few sessions and then went on to an even larger one. The result was that she was doing the full leg circle in a matter of weeks.

So to recap:

1. Make your exercise program a priority.
2. Choose something that you like to do.
3. Probably the most important, is to know your level and work there until you are strong enough to go to the next.

You will be back in shape in a healthy, injury-free way if you will follow these 3 tips.

Written by: Donna Martelli, Personal Trainer

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About the Author

Donna Martelli, formerly a professional dancer with the Harkness Ballet of New York, served on the dance faculty at Butler University, Indianapolis, and is now also a Certified Personal Trainer, Licensed BioCored Instructor and Certified Pilates Instructor in Indianapolis, IN. She conducts classes, seminars, and workshops in the US and Europe. She is also an established guest blogger.

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