5 workout beginner tips!

There's lots of advice out there on how to improve your fitness levels and how to really make the most of different training styles. However, what if you are an absolute beginner and need some solid tips on how to get off the starting blocks? If you want to set out on a fitness journey that's going to take you down the right track for the rest of the year, rather than be an uphill struggle, then you just need to follow some simple ideas.

When you reach a fitness plateau or if you are an elite athlete, then there is a whole raft of advice on how to deal with challenges and hurdles to move to the next level of performance and ability. However, if you are something of a novice in the exercise arena then the world of fitness training can be a baffling, if not intimidating, one which can make you want to turn away altogether from fitness or in need of some direction. If you're just getting going or about to, then here are 5 top tips:

1. Don't just jump in: It's great to grab the bull by the horns and get stuck into fitness with gusto but jumping in blind could lead to a surprise that's nasty rather than nice. By all means be enthusiastic but find out what different styles of workouts involve so you feel prepared.

2. Don't overwhelm or underwhelm: If you're new to exercise then you might want to tread softly and slowly to begin with to gear yourself up over time. However, don't be too half-hearted or sluggish in your approach or you may grind to a halt. Equally, going into overdrive may run you off the fitness road.

3. Compete with yourself only: Guess what, there's always going to be someone who outshines you when it comes to performance, ability and skill. If you begin by focusing on competing too heavily with others then you run the risk of falling flat on your face. Reach your own goals, then better yourself to reach higher.

4. Feel comfortable: You don't need to buy a whole new exercise wardrobe. Indeed, it might be best to find out what activities you really get into before you start spending on fancy fitness attire. What's vital though is that you feel comfortable from the get-go. Too tight shorts or vests with holes might make you feel ill at ease in more ways than one.

5. Eat right: A classic mistake many exercise beginners make is to over-compartmentalize their lives. By doing this, they see keeping fitness as an activity that is separate from the rest of their life. However, keeping fit is about the bigger picture. It's about lifestyle and this involves nutrition. Think about your diet and how this complements a more active routine.

Next time we'll look at five more ways you can start as you mean to go on. If you get in touch we can make sure you are starting a fitness regime that is right for you too.