What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Fitness Journey

When I started my fitness journey, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know how to eat well or how much exercise I should be doing. To be honest, most of the time, I didn't even realize that there were things that needed to change in order for me to get better results.

The first time I started working out, it felt like a big deal. I was just starting to get into fitness and had no idea what to do. I was so excited to finally be taking control of my health that I dove right in—and then burned out fast without seeing sustainable results.

Fortunately for you, dear reader, I've learned a lot since I started more than a decade ago. Going all out with no plan in mind was a huge mistake I made. I realized that if I wanted to have a sustainable fitness habit, I needed to invest in myself.

Eventually, I decided to jump head first into the fitness industry and began educating myself. I wish there had been someone there at the beginning of my fitness journey who could have helped me navigate all this new information! So now that I've got a bit more experience under my belt, here are some tips for starting your own fitness journey:

Tip #1 - The importance of proper form

It's not about how much you lift, it's about HOW you lift. Use light weights at first—you'll be less likely to injure yourself if you don't go too heavy on your first try. You don't want to jump into heavy lifting without knowing how your body will respond or even if it can handle that kind of stress right off the bat. Your body needs time to adapt itself to changes; that's why it's so important not just for your health but also for your longevity as an athlete or fitness enthusiast: take it slow and steady until your body is ready for more advanced workouts with heavier weights and more intense exercises!

Tip #2 - The best routine is one that sticks

The best kind of exercise is the one that makes you feel good afterwards—so find what works for you and stick with it! Choose a routine that fits into your life— one that will make you feel good physically and mentally as well as one that can fit into your schedule and budget. It doesn't matter if it's something you've done before or something totally new: what matters is whether it feels right for YOU!

Tip #3 - Recovery is as important as activity

It's okay to take a break from working out sometime. As we age, our connective tissue becomes less flexible and more susceptible to injuries when we exercise. This is why older adults are at greater risk for injuries from sports and other types of physical activity than younger people are—and even more so if they haven't been exercising regularly.

So how do we avoid getting hurt? The answer is simple: by making sure our bodies aren't overworked in the first place! The majority of injuries occur because of overuse or repetitive stress; in these cases, rest is the best medicine.

Tip #4 - Get crystal clear on your 'why'

Don't let anyone tell you that your goals are too big or too small—you know yourself best, so trust in your ability to achieve what matters most to you! When I got started, it was all about losing weight—and not just any weight, but as much weight as possible as fast as possible. It wasn't until later that I realized how important it is to set goals that are actually sustainable and realistic for you! Fat loss isn't the only reason to start strength training. It could be getting stronger, moving better, having increased energy and improved moods... or getting into the leanest shape of your life. Understand why you're on this fitness journey and this will help you stay motivated.

Tip #5 - Don't be afraid to ask for expert advice

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help! It's okay if you don't know everything about fitness at first; there's always someone willing to offer advice or answer any questions you might have about getting fit or staying healthy! Finding a certified trainer empowering women with science-backed knowledge and real-life personal experience will help you implement healthier habits into your life. Here at AMFIT, we focus fully on the key pillars of health and fitness: hydration, nutrition, sleep hygiene, exercise, and stress management. These are the things that will make all the difference in your life—start by making small changes easy enough to incorporate into your daily routine. If you're keen to find out more, ask away at mabel.loh@amfit.sg, DM us on Instagram @amfit.sg or sign up here for your complimentary consultation session! Leave a comment to share which tip resonated the most with you, or if you have any of your own story to share.