How to take the first step

Unless you are the most confident, outgoing person in the world, going anywhere new is going to feel either extremely scary or at least a bit daunting. Going to a new exercise group for the first time is probably one of the most difficult things to do. As a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness instructor, runner, triathlete, I still get those feelings. Will I be last, will I be able to keep up, will they like me? Therefore, as someone who hasn’t exercised since high school I can only imagine how much more difficult it is for you. Here’s a few tips that I hope will make it a bit less scary, as once you start you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

1. Decide what you want to achieve from your training. Why are you doing this. Having a goal and knowing where you are headed may mean that you are more likely to take that next step.
2. Contact a trainer. At Step into Life we always try to call enquiries to get to know a bit more about them before they come down to training. Unless you just rock up at the counter, all good trainers should do this.
3. Answer the phone or call the trainer back at a time that suits you. You may know who is calling and decide that you don’t want to talk to them. Having spoken to someone will ease that anxiety and make you feel more relaxed about the next step. The trainer wants to find out more about you, and what you want to achieve so they can give you the best session right from day 1. This also gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have. Remember they want you to succeed!
4. Bring a buddy - training with a friend or going somewhere new with a friend makes it easier.
5. Get all your gear ready prior to your session and turn early. As a trainer this allows me to have another chat and make sure you know what is going to happen in the session. I check the information you have provided is correct and we have a bit more of a chat about your goals.
6. Don’t worry about what others think. Most people are too busy doing their own workout to worry about you. If the session is a boxkick session I will buddy you up with one of my members who will help you out during the session when I looking after someone else.
7. Be honest. If you are finding something too difficult (or too easy) let me know as I can modify the exercise for you.
8. Stay around after the session for a chat and to take the next step.
9. Expect to be sore for the next couple of days. This is known as DOMS - Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness - and is the result of microscope tears in the muscles. Generally, this starts to disappear after a few days.
10. The first month is probably the most difficult. Your body is getting used to the exercise. You may feel tired and sore, however soon you will have more energy and feel better. It takes about 3 months to really start to see great results, you will be proud of yourself from day 1.

Congratulations you have started your fitness journey. There a wonderful things ahead. Your health is your most precious possession. To be able to help others you need to be healthy yourself.