HEALTH

So, you've decided that it's time to officially embrace your fitness girlie era—your new matching tank and leggings are on, your Stanley cup is filled and your energetic playlist is all cued up. All that's left to do now is actually start working out...which feels a little daunting.

DW, we get it. Going from only reluctantly exercising during P.E. to buying a monthly pass for your local gym can seem like a big jump. And with all the trending workout challenges on TikTok, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and underprepared as a beginner. Luckily, we've put together some tips to make your fitness journey one that is full of healthy challenges and self-love.

Stretch and warm up properly

@madfit.ig

While social media can be a good source for finding workout tutorials, these videos often leave out one of the most important parts of exercising: stretching. Before and after every workout, you should be stretching out your muscles to avoid injuries and major soreness (though a little soreness the day after a workout is totally normal!).

Before a workout, stretch out your legs by doing toe touches and holding one foot at a time to your butt. You can also do dynamic stretches like arm circles, lunges, high knees and hip circles to warm up while still stretching your muscles.

After a workout, be sure to cool down properly, too. This can mean going on a leisurely walk to gradually slow your heart rate, rather than immediately sitting down after an intense workout. It's also super important to stretch afterward—some stretches we suggest are the butterfly stretch, cross-body shoulder stretch, knees-to-chest stretch and toe touches.

Start slow and build up

@amberunz

When first starting your fitness journey, it can be easy to overexert yourself and set unrealistic goals. While it's amazing if you can run 10 miles or lift with the 30-pound weights right away, it's better for beginners to start on the lower end of things and work their way up to higher intensities.

This can mean starting with shorter and less intense workouts (like jogging slowly for 30 minutes to build stamina or using lighter weights during a low-impact workout to get used to using your muscles). As the weeks go by, you can increase the lengths of your workouts and make them more intense by adding on more sets or going faster. If you increase the intensity gradually, rather than all at once, you'll feel less burnt out and much more motivated to keep pushing yourself.

Consult professionals

@nonabayat

There are a lot of workout tips and tutorials all over the Internet, which can be plenty helpful as you enter your fitness era. *But* it is super important that you don't rely solely on websites and social media, especially as a beginner.

Your best sources for information are trained professionals like your primary doctor, physical therapists, nutritionists and athletic trainers. Their job is to help you live a healthy life and answer any health-related questions you might have, so be sure to bring up any concerns about your workout routine and body when you meet with them. Even just talking through your fitness plans with a professional can be helpful and motivating, and they'll be able to give pointers and recommendations that are unique to you and your wants and needs.

Don't overthink it!

@fpmovement

One of the most important parts of working out is having fun. It can be easy to get lost in all the workout trends and expensive athletic sets, but all that really matters is that you're moving your body in a way that feels good—whether that looks like a 20-minute evening stroll with you sister each day, a solo 45-minute lifting session in the gym three times a week or a weekly game of pickleball with your besties. As long as you're moving your body in a healthy way and feeling good, then you're doing amazing!

Follow us on IG @girlslifemag for more fitness inspo!

Check out these workout articles next:
💪We just found a 20-minute workout for every day of the week
💪This is how I'm learning to run (from the girl who can't jog a mile)
💪The Swiftie's guide to getting started with running

Top and slider image: @reneeenoe

by Maggie Salter | 8/4/2024