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Guide: How to Create an Easy Workout Plan for Beginners
Discover effective tips to get the perfect workout plan for beginners
The thought of creating a workout plan can be daunting for those looking to start working out. Today, we’ll show you the steps on how to create an easy workout plan that will help kickstart your fitness journey. Follow along!
Choosing the right type of exercise
- Assess your interests and preferences: Find an exercise that you enjoy and look forward to doing. Whether it's jogging, swimming, dancing, or practising yoga, the key is to engage in an activity that keeps you motivated and excited. Working out should feel fun and not tiresome!
- Start with low-impact activities: If you're new to exercise or haven't been active for a while, it's recommended to begin with low-impact activities that are gentle on your joints. Walking, cycling, or using an elliptical machine are great options to get your heart rate up without placing excessive strain on your body. Turn your leisure activity into a stimulating activity.
- Incorporate strength training: Strength training is beneficial for beginners as it helps build muscle, increase metabolism, and improve overall body strength. Consider using resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, or light dumbbells to target major muscle groups for starters.
Designing a weekly routine
- Define Your Goals: Determine what you want to achieve through your workouts. Whether it's improving cardiovascular endurance, building strength, or losing weight, having specific goals will help guide your routine.
- Choose a Mix of Activities: Incorporate a combination of cardiovascular exercises (such as walking, jogging, or cycling), strength training (using weights or resistance bands), and flexibility exercises (like stretching or yoga) into your routine. This variety helps work different muscle groups, improves overall fitness, and prevents boredom.
- Schedule and Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of your workouts and progress over time. This will help you stay motivated as you see improvements in strength, endurance, and overall fitness levels. With Slated’s Schedule feature, you get to track and manage your sessions easily along your fitness journey.
Finding the right duration and intensity
- Gradual Progression: It's important to start with shorter durations and lower intensity workouts initially. As your fitness improves, gradually increase the duration and intensity to avoid overexertion and potential injuries.
- Quality > Quantity: Focus on the quality of your workouts instead of the quantity. It's better to have a shorter workout with proper form and technique than a longer session with sloppy execution. This will ensure you target the right muscles and minimise the risk of injury. In this case, less IS more.
- Seek Guidance: Consider consulting with a certified fitness trainer or coach who can help you design a workout plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. They can guide you in determining the appropriate duration and intensity based on your fitness level and aspirations.
Adjusting your schedule if needed
The key to success is finding a workout plan that fits into your schedule and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you adjust your schedule if needed:
- Assess Your Time Commitment: Evaluate how much time you can dedicate to working out each day or week. Be honest with yourself about your availability and consider any other commitments or responsibilities that might impact your schedule.
- Prioritise Consistency: Consistency is crucial when it comes to seeing progress and achieving your fitness goals. Look for windows of time throughout your day where you can consistently fit in a workout. It could be early mornings before work, during your lunch break, or in the evenings.
- Schedule Exercise Blocks: Treat your workouts as important appointments by scheduling them into your calendar. Block off dedicated time for exercise and treat it as non-negotiable just like any other commitment.
- Make Small Changes: If finding a big chunk of time for exercise seems daunting, start by incorporating small changes throughout your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a short walk during your lunch break, or do some bodyweight exercises while watching TV.
Remember, the goal is to find a workout plan that you can realistically stick to and enjoy. Adjusting your schedule to accommodate regular exercise is key to creating a sustainable fitness routine.
Sticking to Your Plan
Starting a workout routine can be exciting, but it's also important to have a plan in place to ensure long-term success. Here are some strategies to help you stay committed and motivated:
- Find a workout buddy or accountability partner: Exercising with a friend or joining a fitness community can provide a sense of accountability and make the journey more enjoyable. Having someone to share your progress, challenges, and triumphs with can help you stay motivated and committed to your workouts.
- Reward yourself: Celebrate milestones and achievements along the way. Treat yourself to a massage, a new workout outfit, or a healthy meal at your favourite restaurant. These small rewards can provide extra motivation and reinforce the positive habits you're building.
In order to start a healthy and effective workout program, you don’t need to be a fitness expert. The best way to start your workout is by finding a routine that you can stick to. Remember, the most important factor is consistency. Stick to your plan, even on days when you don't feel like it. Over time, you'll develop a habit that will make exercise a natural part of your routine.