How to Get Started on Your Fitness Journey
Almost 9 in 10 Americans are metabolically unfit. This means their overall health is poor, and they’re at high risk of metabolic diseases.
Metabolic diseases increase one’s risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. They can also contribute to high blood pressure, blood sugar, and visceral fat.
The good news is it’s not too late to start a fitness journey and become more metabolically fit. However, the sooner you do, the better, as every second counts when it comes to heart disease and stroke.
This guide provides fitness tips to help you get started, so read on.
Table of Contents
Visit a Doctor
People often associate “fitness” with either being slim or muscular. While it’s true that being fit means having a good level of body fat, it also means being disease-free. After all, one can be slim yet be part of the 95% of Americans with vitamin D inadequacy.
That said, the first step to take for your fitness journey is to see a doctor. Get a complete check-up and share your family and medical history. This is also the time to tell the doc about recent or current symptoms you’ve experienced.
The intensity of your exercise routine will depend on your doctor’s findings. The same goes for the specific type of diet that will work out the best and safest for you.
Set Realistic, Achievable Goals
Heeding your doctor’s advice, list your short-term and long-term fitness goals. Then, note the steps you plan to take to achieve those goals.
Suppose your long-term goal is to lose 15 pounds. You can then set one of your short-term goals as losing 1 pound weekly, which experts say is a safe range. Plus, it’s easier and more realistic than losing 2 pounds a week.
List the steps you plan to take to reach those goals. For instance, you may want to include working out and reducing your calorie intake. Another is limiting unhealthy snacking and sugar consumption.
Make copies of your list and post them in conspicuous places, such as your work area and fridge. That makes for a great reminder and can help you feel more motivated.
Consider Hiring a Personal Trainer
Certified personal trainers in the U.S. have undergone certification via accredited organizations. An example is the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Another is the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Trainers must also hold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certifications.
So, personal trainers know a lot about the human body and exercise science. Thus, they can be an invaluable source of advice for a safe and effective fitness routine. For example, they can tell you the best exercises and nutrition tips to help you reach your goals.
If you search for personal trainer services online, confirm their location first. The last thing you want is to sign up for classes in a fitness club that’s too far from you. Its distance may cause you to miss your lessons, hindering your healthy living goals.
Start Your Fitness Journey Today
Remember: Chronic conditions, like heart disease and stroke, affect 6 in 10 Americans. These diseases can result from being metabolically unfit.
That’s enough reason to go on a fitness journey ASAP. The sooner you do, the sooner you can enjoy better health and lower disease risk.
If you liked this article, we have other informative guides to share. For starters, check out our post about the secrets to a healthy lifestyle!
