8 Fitness Tips To Overcome Your Barriers To Starting

When you are a beginner, it can be hard to start and commit to your health and fitness journey.

After having my daughter, Arna, I had to begin again — once I was cleared to exercise, it was tough navigating my way through workouts I was SO familiar with, but could no longer do. Whether it’s YOUR first time working out, or you’re returning to exercise after injury or taking some time off, I know how overwhelming it can be. 

Maybe you’ve tried and didn’t know how to begin — you might have even found High Intensity with Kayla Itsines (formerly BBG) too hard. If you’ve attempted going to a gym or starting a new workout program, you might have felt intimidated, were unsure how to use equipment, or what exercises you should be doing. 

Ladies, if you have been putting off starting your health and fitness journey here are some of my best tips to help you start.

My 8 best tips for fitness beginners

It can be hard to start — or restart — your health and fitness journey for many reasons. These tips can help you overcome obstacles and begin today.

Start out easier than easy

The key is to start out EASY when you are a beginner — it should feel like you are holding back during your workouts, which might mean going slower or reducing the number of reps of exercises in your workout to ensure proper form. 

I designed my program, Low Impact with Kayla, to give women everywhere the tools to build strength and a fitness foundation using basic movement patterns. Trust me — you’ll feel SO much better getting through your workout comfortably, rather than pushing yourself to the point of fatigue and feeling discouraged.

When you start out slow, you’ll feel that you have more energy than when you began, and this will help motivate you to keep going.

Remember, your health and fitness is a JOURNEY. Enjoy your experience as a fitness beginner — the time will eventually come to work harder!

Choose exercises that make you feel confident

You should feel in control and confident when working out, at any stage of your fitness journey — struggling through an exercise just because it is part of the program does NOT mean that it is the best variation of the exercise for YOU.

There is no shame in modifying an exercise or being a beginner — I had to modify EVERYTHING after having Arna, and that is okay.

Schedule workout days in your calendar

Make your workouts a priority — just as you would an appointment! Schedule your workout days in your calendar and know what you are going to do BEFORE you begin so that you have everything you need for the session to run smoothly, and without any distractions, whether you’re training at home or in the gym. Have your clothes and gear ready the night before for a morning workout or packed in your bag for an after-work gym session.

If you are planning to start my High Intensity with Kayla program for the first time, I’ve shared more tips to help get you through Week 1.

My advice is to work out whenever you CAN! It honestly does not make a difference if you work out in the morning or at night, as long as you get it done!

Find a workout buddy to keep you accountable

A good way to keep you accountable with your workouts is to find a workout buddy — I love how supportive the WHOLE Sweat community is, and the best part is that they are only a click away!

Make it your mission to connect with other women via the Community feature in the Sweat app, or on my Instagram today.

Pair your workouts with an activity you already enjoy 

I always watch Netflix during LISS on the treadmill — when you couple exercise with something you enjoy, like listening to your favourite workout playlist, or a podcast, you’ll feel more energised and even forget that you’re working out!

Set goals

Consider your goals and be realistic about how often you need to work out to achieve them — is it really worth getting less sleep just because you think squeezing in an extra workout will help you hit them faster?

Find what matches your lifestyle, schedule and energy levels and do that!

Allow time for recovery

If you lead a busy lifestyle, adding more exercise may not be the best option to achieve your goals. If you are starting out, try to get in at least two workouts each week and use the other days to focus on moving when you CAN, and getting enough rest to recover from your workouts.

Involve your kids

If you’re a busy mum like me, I know how difficult it can be to get your kids to sit still while you train — this is why my workouts are all 30 minutes or LESS!

I typically work out after 7:30pm when Arna is asleep — but you can let your children watch you train or even join in! If you work out with your kids, don’t forget to share them on social media and tag me — I love seeing them!

You can overcome your barriers and get started with fitness today! 

Whatever’s holding you back as a fitness beginner, you can use these tips to overcome it.

When you commit to making time for YOU, you can start to work towards your goals confidently, and in a way that will suit your lifestyle. As you find your fitness motivation, you can even inspire others around you who might have the same fears or obstacles.

How have you overcome your fears of starting with fitness? Share your tips in the comments!