How To Start Working Out!

A few years ago I really wanted to start becoming a better me. When I thought of what becoming a better me was all about, working out and living a healthier lifestyle was the first thing that came to mind. But let me tell you, I was freaking out, and the lack of motivation was real. I sore up and down it was going to kill me, - but it didn't, even though there were and still are days it feels like it might

Everyone I asked had the same type of advice. Keep hydrated, do this, and do that. Get these workouts, drink this protein shake and so on, but that wasn't the advice I needed. I wasn't ready for that step. What I really needed was someone to tell me I wasn't going to die, and that I didn't have to change everything about my routine right away.

So that is what I am here to tell you. Be you, and be true. Know who you are, and your limits. If you have never worked out, here are some tips.

• Why? Know your why. Why do you want to start working out? Why do you want to start living a healthier lifestyle? Knowing why will play a huge part in helping you stay motivated, positive and consistent. Remember this is your journey, don't get caught up in what everyone else is doing. Focus on you.
• Start on your level, if you start on the same page as someone who has been working out for years, you will lose your motivation quickly.
• Get a motivation buddy. No matter if they are going through this journey with you or if they are just your cheerleader, in the end it will help. Not to mention, you have someone to keep you honest about what you have or have not done.
• Know your body. Do you have asthma, flat feet, a bad back or knees? If you do you will have to modify things. So know your body, and steadily work at getting to harder workouts so you can build up your body's strength without hurting yourself.
• Start simple, and target something. What are you aiming for? Arms, legs, abs, cardio, or a nice routine to hit it all? Are you looking to live a healthier lifestyle before working out? Once you have one or two things to start with, go from there. Remember you don’t need to start working out every day of every week, instead start with 1 - 3 workouts a week. You are already making a good change and you don't want to burn out before you even start.
• Do research. There are so many things out there. All kinds of different gyms, diet plans, workouts and what not, so go through and learn what is best for you. Dabble in a few before truly picking if you need to do more than just read. Doing a little here and there from different workouts isn't going to hurt you. It's going to teach you what you love and what works the best for you.
• Invest. Get a nice pair of running shoes if you are going to start running. Invest in the right gear for what you want to do. If you don't know where to start, talk to people or get online.
• Game Plan! Make sure you have a game plan. Sometimes winging it isn't the best idea. When we wing it, and things don't work out, then we just don't do what we planned that day, and it's easy to get back into old habits. Set a time to do the workouts, pick a workout. Get some time of plan started!
• Now Start, get out there and show the world and yourself that you can do it, make the change you want to make today!

Motivation comes from within — so be true to who you are, only you know what you want and need. To be the best you, you don't need to weigh a certain amount or look a certain way, as long as you are healthy and confident in who you are, you can conquer the world!