Looking for some new fitness ideas?
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Hi, I’m Jen. I’m a mom who works out. It’s sometimes trying, often-times complicated, and every so often, I almost feel like I have it all figured out. So obviously, you want to read my fitness tips, right?
Seriously, though. I literally make this shit up on a day to day basis. I wish I was in the season of life where I could come up with a more strategic plan (ex. On Wednesdays, I wear pink workout clothes and do bicep curls to the tune of Katy Perry songs.) But I’m toddler-momming. I try to get some sort of activity 5-6 days a week, and I pull it out of my ass.
I usually go to the gym (barring a polar vortex) where there is a day care. Can I get a hallelujah for the angel babies that watch my maniacs so I can exercise? What I do kind of depends on the day, and my mood, and how much time I have before we need to go somewhere else… It’s a bit sloppy, to be completely honest, but I have been seeing some results so I thought I would share a few fitness tips.
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Also, I am not a doctor or mental health professional. Just someone who has lived with anxiety for many years who is passionate about sharing her experiences and tips for success. If you are in crisis call your doctor, then click here for some good mental health resources.
Why fitness matters
Fitness is really important for a lot of reasons. It can benefit you physically, emotionally, and socially.
Physical benefits
- Good for heart health
- Helps with weight management
- Helps with muscle mass
- Can aid bone density
- Builds endurance
- Helps you sleep better
Emotional benefits
- Improves confidence
- Releases dopamine and other “happy chemicals”
- Gives you a goal to work toward
- Helps you work out of your comfort zone
Social benefits
- If you go to the gym, you have the chance to interact with other people
- You can lean on friends for accountability and strengthen friendships
Fitness tips for beginners
Getting in shape is not easy, make no mistake. But if you stay consistent, and try some of these tips below, it can be just a little bit easier. You might even find yourself enjoying it.
Don’t work against your personality
If you are absolutely not a morning person, don’t try to go in the morning. You will probably not get your best work done. Unless you’re a magical unicorn who can somehow reverse years of personality development, don’t even try. I am a morning/early afternoon gal, so that is when I prefer to get my workout in. After like 3pm? Nope. This old girl is ready to wind the hell down.
Set a goal
I wrote a blog post about SMART goals, and I think they are really important. Don’t say, “I want to be healthier.” Doy. Does anybody actually want to be UNhealthier? Come up with a goal that is more specific and has a deadline. “I want to be able to run a 5k without stopping to walk by April 1.” These types of goals are proven to be more effective.
Learn your body’s metrics
Percentage of body fat, skeletal muscle mass, water percentage… This stuff is interesting as hell. Maybe you have a goal for weight, and that’s okay, but keep these factors in mind too. It’s not all about the number on the scale.
Explore the equipment
Take some time to figure out what you love doing. Hate running? Don’t do it! There are plenty of other ways to get in shape. Try one of the free classes at your gym if you aren’t sure where to start. I have developed a love for weight training!
Take some supplements
I personally take organic sulfur/wolfberry capsules and an amino acid powder during my workout, and drink a protein shake after each workout. (Along with other various supplements during the day not related to fitness.) Google the benefits of organic sulfur and wolfberries! For realsies. The amino acid powder helps with muscle fatigue and recovery. The protein is good for someone like me who is trying to pack on muscle.
Join a challenge
I joined a 9 week challenge at our local nutrition shop, and it has been a great source of accountability and information. They have given me recommendations on how many calories to eat a day to meet my specific goal (building muscle mass) based on my weight and height. They told me how many grams of protein and carbs and fat I should shoot for each day. It has been really useful in my quest to learn how to better fuel my body. (ex. I am slowly learning my body f-ing hates dairy.) Best of all, it is a free challenge and they give away prizes. #jennylovesfreestuff
I believe in you
Those are just some tips, and I’m sure a personal trainer or nutrition expert could chime in with more ideas. I’m seriously just a mom trying to get in shape, and get more energy, and keep my sanity in the post-apocalyptic world known as two kids 5 and under.
You can do this. I believe in you.
Hit me with your best workout strategies in the comments! What works for you? Then, make sure to share this post if you found it helpful!
Try out these fitness tips, and have some patience. It takes time!
Related posts for fitness tips:
How to Start Over With Fitness
Great tips! That workout planner looks great. I will save it and definitely put to use. Thanks for sharing this.
No problem! Thanks for reading 🙂
Great suggestions…the only time I like to work out is in the morning, but one of my daughters likes to work out in the afternoon!
I prefer morning too! My motivation sucks after like 1 or 2 o’clock lol. Thanks for reading!
While on the lockdown we need this. Thank you for sharing this!
Definitely. Why not now?? Can’t hurt to try. Thanks for reading!
These tips are awesome! I totally agree that we all need to observe fitness cause it has so many benefits in our body.
For sure! Even just a little is better than nothing. Thanks for reading!
Food and tracking have been helpful for me.
It’s definitely helpful to write things down! Sometimes we don’t realize the way we’re behaving until we see it written on paper.
This is a great list for beginners! I started my fitness journey with an app that created fun challenges for me to complete – that was 3 years ago and I still love it!
Ooh that is awesome! What is the app, if you don’t mind sharing? Keep up the good work!
I love the accountability and community aspect of doing challenges. I agree they’re more motivating than just trying to kick start a habit on your own. Timely reminder to get active!
No time like the present! Thanks for reading!
What a perfect plans and great equipment in the workout. plus the meditation after. Love it.
Thanks so much!
I used to work out a lot, but several life changes have gotten in the way of it. I’m trying again though.
That’s great! I’ve been trying for 20 minutes 5 days a week, figuring I can build up from there. It’s not where I’d like to be but it’s a start. Good luck, and thanks for reading!
Goal setting is so important when it comes to starting any fitness routine.
Definitely! You need to know exactly what you want. Thanks for reading!
I love how easily this read, and how strongly you advocate for not forcing yourself to do something you hate.
I want to try my legs at running one day, but living where I do on the rocky road does not make for the most suitable conditions. For the past two years I have loved getting in my exercise in the evenings with weights. Finding what works for you is what makes it perfect. 🙂
Thanks so much for the feedback! Hopefully you can think of something that fits your situation.
These are really helpful tips. Thanks for sharing.
No problem! Thanks for reading 🙂
I worked out regularly and vigorously a while back and it did wonders for my anxiety. After having my daughter, I have struggled with severe back pain. I would love to one day get back into it how I used to be! Right now I’m sticking to YouTube videos in the living room haha Great post and advice!
Thanks! I had bad sciatica after my youngest daughter and they said it was because my core got so weak. Good luck! Back pain is no fun. Thanks for reading.
I’ve been working out regularly for 40 years and now I am reaping the benefits. No meds, my weight is in a good place and my body gets around very well for a woman in her 60’s. I’ve seen what regular exercise does for folks. It’s worthing putting it in your life.
That is fantastic! It’s nice to see a success story like that. Thank you for sharing, and keep on keepin on!
Absolutely love the post! It’s great to keep up a good fitness routine, this is a great reminder 🙂
Thanks so much. I appreciate it!
I basically just stick to running in my neighborhood and call it a day. So far it’s working since I can still fit into my pants!
That’s a great workout! I miss having running endurance. I’m gonna start trying to work back up to it! Thanks for reading 🙂
Thanks for the fitness reminders. It’s tough to fit into your day but you have to stick with it. I’m a long walker (5 miles per day) and I do yoga daily. I need to make the time but also take a break sometimes. My only real strategy is stick to it and don’t miss more than 1 day. Thanks for your post.
Wow, you’re doing great! Keep it up. Thanks so much for reading 🙂
I am trying to get back into the swing of things here. I would add stretch!!
Great idea! Stretching is definitely important, especially when you are super out of shape. Thanks for reading 🙂
First of all, this post seriously made me LOL! Thank you for being HONEST about what it’s actually like to fit fitness into your life. It’s HARD! These are some great tips, and ones that I should definitely prioritize, as my fitness/activity level has plummeted since quarantine. I especially love “if you hate this exercise, don’t do it.” I started doing that with my physical therapy (planks, yes, deadlifts, NO), and I should apply it to my regular exercise routine as well. Great post!
Thanks! I appreciate it! I’ve really missed having the endurance to run, so I’m slowly working on building myself back up to some sort of routine. Thanks for reading 🙂
Great tips! I find that my workouts are running mixed with toddler tantrum lifting, but I love to try anything new at least once. I used to think that I hated running and then I did it when I had no other options and it became a constant in my life.
I would like to add to your goal comment that the goals should be challenging but reasonable. Nothing depresses motivation like falling super short of a goal even though you honestly tried your hardest.
Definitely! It’s fine to shoot for the moon, but not Jupiter LOL. Keep it reasonable! Thanks for reading 🙂
You’re doing a lot better than me! I’ve really let myself go over the last year, and I really need to do something about it.
I’ve always struggle with motivation with the gym. I used to play a lot of sport, but that’s all gone now, as organising something has proved impossible, I need a competitive reason to get me going. I need to work something out.
You can do it. Just start slow, and be kind to yourself. Start with like a 15 minute walk a few days a week. You can do it 🙂
Awesome fitness tips! I agree, being fit doesn’t just benefit you physically but also mentally and emotionally. Now I need to work out more 😀
I do too! I need to use my own advice lately. Thanks for reading!
I love exercising. It does not have to be intense; I enjoy a healthy challenge that leaves me pushing myself just a little bit without feeling overwhelmed and depressed. The thing about exercise is, as you move forward, you can keep doing more and more. 🙂
Also, it helps me sleep better and feel better about myself.
Definitely, the self confidence boost is priceless! Thanks for reading.
These are such great tips for beginners. I definitely agree with all of them and I recently just got back in the habit of working out more regularly and it really does make you feel so much better!
It does wonders. Good for you! Thanks for reading!
First up: Love your style writing style!
Secondly, these are really good tips! I danced semi-professionally in my late teens but after moving abroad fell out of love with all kinds of exercise. Recently I’ve discovered running again, and now can’t imagine life without it. I think it’s super important to try a lot of different sports, otherwise you might miss the one that you really really love. x
Thanks so much! I appreciate it. It’s great that you found something you love. I used to be an avid runner and would love to pick it up again.
Great tips! I’m actually starting back up with a trainer tomorrow
That’s great! I’ve been having some health issues but looking to start getting healthier again too.
Fitness is so key to so much of our physical and mental health! Great article!
It really is! Thanks for reading!
The first tip is one I never hear but is so important! We should work with what’s best for ourselves. Great post 😊
Thanks! Don’t force yourself to run if you’re not a runner! 🙂
Fabulous post! It’s all about doing the best we can on any given day isnt it? I am trying once again to shift some weight and be healthier, it’s hard to do this alongside my fluctuating mental health and my hypothyroidism. But…..if l just look.at small changes, anything is doable. Smart goals are so important. I’ve just started reading ‘Habit That,’ it’s a fantastic practical book helping you to find small sections of time to ‘health up’. This is how lm progressing with my goals. Thanks for a great read!
Oh cool! I will have to look up the book! Physical and mental health issues do make it harder, but it’s still doable. I believe in you 🙂