A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO TRAINING & HOW TO GET STARTED:

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO TRAINING & HOW TO GET STARTED:

 So, you want to start training, but you have no idea where to even begin?!

You feel overwhelmed, yet motivated and at the same time totally clueless. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there, even if you are returning to training, we all experience the same revolving question: “Where do I start?”

Firstly, you’ll need to create a training plan that is sustainable and easy to follow. Grab a pen and paper and start by asking yourself some questions:

Where am I going to train?

How am I going to train?

Am I going to attend classes? Or 1 on 1 PT sessions? Or both?

How much money am I willing to invest into training?

How much time am I willing to invest into training?

Am I going to seek a coach or follow a program?

What are my goals?

What is my WHY?

This may seem overwhelming and it’s totally okay if you don’t have the answers to all the questions above. As you begin your training journey, you will learn so much about yourself.

GET A COACH

1. Firstly, I would recommend getting a coach, regardless of what level you’re at. As a coach myself, I strongly believe that seeking guidance from a coach / personal trainer or attending instructed classes is the first key to your success in training. Having a coach whether 1 on 1 or in a class setting is extremely important for your guidance, safety and discipline. A coach is there to help you perform and progress into the best version you can be. Coaches also help keep us accountable and motivate us to achieve higher results. 

No matter where you are in your training journey, always seek guidance from a coach or multiple. Learning from a coach will help you improve your knowledge, confidence and skills. Coaches are not only invested in YOUR journey but they are there to help you progress in a safe and educational environment. And progress = happiness!

PRIORITISE YOUR TRAINING

2. Schedule your training and keep a training diary. Having a diary is a great way to schedule time for training and keep track of your training goals. Not only will this help keep you more organised but it will also keep you more in tune with your training and hold you more accountable. Make your training a priority by booking appointments with yourself – this is a great tool you can use if you ever catch yourself thinking, “I don’t have time.” If you know that you’re not going to get time to go to training, schedule a 20-minute walk around the block or a 20-minute at home yoga session. There are 24 hours in a day, you can block out 20 minutes. Prioritise movement and training just like you prioritise work, socialising or Netflix! Organisation and discipline are the keys to success in training.

PLAN YOUR TRAINING

3. Dedicate enough time to train each week and have a plan for all your training sessions. For someone who is totally new to training, I would recommend 2-3x 1-hour sessions per week. Ensure that your training plan includes exercises relevant to your goals and make sure you communicate this with your coach.

I usually like to plan my workout as follows:

• Warm up
• Stretch / Mobility
• Resistance Training
• Cool Down
• Include mini goals for your sessions

Having a plan will make your training more productive and progressive. It’s important to understand that progress is not always linear and strength and skill acquisition takes time. Becoming stronger, fitter or more flexible can be a slow process, but training less won’t speed it up. Stick to your plan.

DON’T FORGET TO REST & RECOVER!

4. It’s important to not go overboard at the start of your journey as your muscles, joints and nervous system need time to recover adequately. If your body is hurting a lot after training, be sure to rest it, but don’t be stagnant. Continue to move your body with some light activity like walking, swimming or stretching. This will help increase fresh blood flow to the areas that are sore, thus promoting faster muscle and joint recovery. 

KEEP AN OPEN MIND 

5. When it comes to physical training, there isn’t just one kind. Be open to trying all different kinds of training. You may find that you prefer a certain style of training or have more fun training doing something totally different. The gym isn’t the only place you can train. Try different things like sports, rock climbing, dancing and circus, especially if you are looking for a fun “gym alternative.” Strength comes in many different forms!

EMBRACE YOUR JOURNEY 

6. Take photos and videos of yourself training! This might feel weird in the moment, but documenting your journey is super important to see where you started. Progress photos and videos are an amazing tool to help remind you of your WHY and WHERE you came from. Embrace failure and adversity and become resistant to it. Throughout your training journey, you may fail over and over, you may become frustrated and adversity will show up in many ways.
   
   What’s important is that you push through it, overcome it and become resistant to it. Consistency is key. Frustration means you’re close. Discipline equals freedom.

- Alex Reyne