5 Fit Tips for the Unfit - Starting Smart

Starting a fitness plan can be scary. Especially if you're not in shape. I've been there, more than once in fact. Not only do I fall into the yo-yo dieting category, but I also yo-yo workout. Oh, yes, it is possible. As a rule, I stay active. But there are circumstances when I'm not. I've had to start over thanks to a variety of circumstances. From as simple as "I left college and now sit at a desk 10 hours a day" (aka the Office Spread) to "I need to recover from abdominal surgery." 

It doesn't matter how or why, but starting smart is key. 

I've found that jumping in full speed and/or overdoing it (in intensity or in minutes) too soon will lead to either injury or burnout. Neither is going to get you into smaller jeans. Here are some tips that I follow to get (and stay) started on the road from unfit to fit. 

Tip 1: Accept It, You're a Wuss 

Sorry, but it's true. If you've been out of the gym for an extended period of time (or if you've never even been in one), you should ease in to your routine. Make sure you are performing the moves the right way, and that you're at a comfortable intensity level. Gradually pump up the weight/incline/jam as you gain strength and confidence. This counts for workout videos too. Swallow your pride and follow the "Modified Moves Girl" in the group. Especially if you were in shape in the past - you'll be mentally ready to follow the "Advanced Super Woman" moves. 

Keep in mind that more weight on your body is more stress on your joints. You might need to go low-impact until you lighten up a little (trust me, I'm there now).  But it's OK, you're doing it for YOU, right? The "Advanced Super Woman" will never know.

Tip 2: Set Small Goals - Really Really Small Goals 

Yes, losing 20 pounds is a great goal. But you won't get there if you're sitting at home watching The Simpsons. After a tough day, it's so tempting to just hit the couch or succumb to distractions like getting a free gift at the cosmetics counter. When you're having a hard time staying on track, set mini-goals. When I absolutely do not want to go to the gym, I challenge myself to do 1 thing: Get to the Gym Parking Lot. 

Yes, for real. I know if I drive all the way to the parking lot, I'll go inside. But driving somewhere is a much smaller mental hurdle than Do 50 Minutes of Cardio. If I'm still being stubborn, I promise myself I'll only workout for 15 minutes. 9 out of 10 times, I'll feel great after 5 minutes and be ready to conquer a tough workout. If I still feel tired after 15 minutes, then I let myself off the hook (it usually means I need the rest/am getting sick). 

It works for home workouts too. Put Sneakers On works for me pretty often (you can't lay on the couch with your kicks on), as does Hit The Play Button on DVD Player. Once it starts, I start. 

Tip 3: Find Something You Can Look Forward To

Just like with diet plans, if you can't stick with it, it won't work. If you hate doing a certain workout, and can't find a way to make it fun (good music/workout buddy/etc) you'll never stick with it. You wouldn't marry a doctor because your friend married one and it worked for her, right? And you wouldn't be best friends with someone because she seems like a good fit. You actually have to find the thing that clicks for you! 

Just keep trying things and find what clicks. Like dancing? Try Zumba or Hip Hop Abs. Are you stressed out & angry? Sweat it out with Barry's Bootcamp or TurboJam. Give routines a shot despite your predisposed ideas.  Sure, Spinning sounds like torture, but in reality it's a workout that lets you go at your own pace. But you wouldn't really know that until you try it for yourself. 

Tip 4: Find a Place that You're Comfortable Sweating

Comfort is key for your workout clothes, shoes, and most of all, location. You need to be comfortable enough to make a complete jackass out of yourself. Not that you will, but you want to feel un-judged when you sweat, groan, and whine like a little girl (if you're me). If you're joining a gym, check out the facilities (is the locker room a nudist colony or can you grab a curtain?), the equipment (does it look new or like it belongs in an outdated dentist's office?), and the staff (are they approachable or mainly meat?). Also take time into consideration - the gym at noon can be a whole different scene than the gym at 5 pm. 

You might find the gym is not your bag. That's ok! Find a place you like walking, like your neighborhood or a nearby park (safety first, of course), or someone you like walking with. Or, like me, you can pull all the blinds and get crazy in the comfort of your own home, where no one will hear you whine. 

Tip 5: You Are Allowed to Look Cute When You Work Out!

Wear comfy workout clothes that make you feel fit, cute, confident. Forget your hubby's old tie-dyed t-shirts and those lacrosse shorts that were cool in high school. Score yourself some fly tanks and cute capris to get your sweat on. If you're embarrassed in your clothes, you won't want to keep working out. Check out the sale section of Sports Authority for some good deals, or go all out with coordinated duds from high-end athletic outfitters like Athleta or Lucy. It sounds simple and vain, but you'll be amazed at the confidence-building power of a new sporty hoodie. 

Bonus Tip: Get Advice

Research your routine. Check out some of the people I follow on Twitter. There are some amazing pros willing to help you on your way with some educated advice.  

The Bottom Line

Whether you're starting out for the first time, or starting again for the tenth, just go about it in a smart way. If you're injured, you'll never get off the couch. If you're not feelin' your workout spot, you'll never get off the couch.  If you're not loving what you're doing, you'll never get off the couch. And if you never get off the couch, your ass will become as big as one. So get to the gym parking lot and get going!