Here is our ultimate advice kit, so that you are equipped to start your fitness journey with confidence. Because everyone should be able to move without constraints.
Getting Started
When it comes to getting your body moving in a healthy, gradual way, the key is to find a physical activity that you enjoy and can maintain on a regular basis. Consistency is key. Note that it is important to consult a professional in order to learn about your body's limitations as well as any recommendations that may be relevant to getting your body back into action.
Accessible activities such as running or urban biking can be interesting to start moving again. In addition to allowing you to get from point A to point B quickly, tracking progress is easy and motivating!
The Goal
Having a goal is probably the aspect of fitness that is most often forgotten. The goal has to be SMART
Specific: It will connect with a specific aspect impacting your life, whether it is in relation to your cardiovascular capacity or simply to improve your way of life. Whether we are talking about going running or cycling a specific number of times or for a specific number of kilometers, just make sure it's something specific because being precise will help you be more effective.
Measurable: It is quite simple, a SMART objective must be quantifiable. You must be able to measure your progress over time and in the continuity of your efforts. Nothing is more motivating than to see some progress in one aspect of your physical activity. Whether it's in the speed you gain or the rising number of kilometers you accumulate, it's always fun to see that you are able to improve in your sport.
Achievable: Of course, you have to be realistic. A goal that is too difficult and unattainable can be discouraging. Evaluating the probability of achieving your goal is essential when it comes to defining it. An attainable goal will take into account the time you spend to reach it, the realism of the task as well as your ability to accomplish it.
Realistic: Complementing the previous point, a realistic goal will allow you to verify what the limitations of your goal are. While running 250 km within a month may be achievable, it is important to understand that for some of us, it may not be the priority and is probably an unrealistic goal for someone who is not a big sports enthusiast.
Temporal: Determining a “time” factor in your objective is a bit like icing on the cake. It is what allows you to really keep tabs on your progress. By setting a clear deadline, it will be easier to evaluate your progress and adjust your physical activity routine. Note that the “deadline” is not there to put more pressure on you! It is simply to allow you to establish a certain point in time where you can reevaluate your goal. After all, getting back into shape is not supposed to put any extra stress on you, but rather should relieve you.
Listen to your body
When you decide to get back in motion and take care of your body, it is important to keep in mind that physical activity is not a competition. It is therefore imperative that you do not your ego take up too much room in your process. Focusing on yourself and respecting your own rhythm is essential in your fitness process. This means listening to your body, respecting your limits and not judging yourself.
This also comes into play when managing your aches and pains. In the beginning, it is normal that physical activity, such as cycling or running, will involve muscles that we were not necessarily used to work. This is when the famous soreness occurs, this muscle pain that you feel when you push your body hard.
Sometimes, a day of rest is what your body needs more than putting yourself to work. You must listen to your body and accept that sometimes resting is the best thing to do. Because a rested body is what will allow you to come back strong at the next session.
Understand your needs
Each person has different needs. Whether it's a desire for performance or simply to feel better, no one goal is more important than the other. By respecting your needs and your goals, you will ensure that your active lifestyle gets off to a healthy and effective start.
It is important to remember that any progress, no matter how small, is an accomplishment in itself and that it is better to set realistic, attainable and measurable goals rather than overly ambitious ones. With this in mind, you can take full advantage of the benefits of physical activity and find a sport that suits you and brings you pleasure and well-being.