Tips for Starting a New Fitness Routine

This post is sponsored by adidas.

Throughout my life I’ve found that my fitness routine has evolved. I’ve found new workouts that I love, ones that work better for me, group classes, videos, or simply followed along with a fad (Soul Cycle anyone?). The common thread has always been that I enjoy moving my body and my body thanks me for helping it stay healthy. Today I’ve partnered with adidas to share my favorite tips for starting a new fitness routine.

5 tips for starting a new fitness routine:

1. Know when to change it up.
   There have been definitive shifts with age when it comes to what types of workouts work best for me, and what my body can tolerate. As much as I love running it has been getting harder to recover from training that used to feel easier. I’ve started to cut back slightly on my intensity and it’s helped improve in that area. I’ve also added in more walking to go easier on myself.
   
2. Have the right gear.
   You wouldn’t try to swim in a down jacket, right? If you’re trying something new it always helps to have the right gear. A good sports bra will go a long way for any sport. When buying new gear be sure to try it on and move around a little to be sure it will still be comfortable for you. Notice if any areas tend to rub or are ill fitting. Nothing is worse than starting a new routine or sport only to be off put by chaffing or uncomfortable gear.
   
3. Don’t forget recovery.
   Recovery is always important, especially if you are trying a more strenuous new workout. This can look like starting slowly and spacing out the activity at first until your body can tolerate it more frequently, or it can look like adding in yoga in between workouts to be sure you’re getting in the right stretches and allowing your body to heal. Injuries often happen because people either do too much too soon or they aren’t allowing their muscles proper downtime to recover.
   
4. Shoes always matter.
   Some people assume that any old pair of sneakers will work for workouts, but that simply isn’t true. You should invest in a good pair of training shoes that are relative for your sport. If you’re going to start running for instance, you should invest in a good pair of running shoes. Some workouts are more forgiving at first, and you can always upgrade your shoes once you know you enjoy it. Don’t forget to break them in or use blister tape so that your feet will thank you.
   
5. Keep it fun!
   No new fitness routine will have any longevity if you don’t enjoy it. My rule of thumb is to alway try something a few times before I make a judgement on whether or not I’ll enjoy a workout. I try to ask myself, “Do I dislike it just because it’s hard or if it’s because I really loathe it?”. You may have different preferences for workouts alone v.s. with friends. For example: I enjoy cycle classes socially but rarely enjoy them on my own.

No matter what your fitness routine looks like all that matters is that you get out and move your body. You will be healthier and happier for it.

This post is sponsored by adidas, all images and opinions are my own. Thank you so much for helping to support the sponsors that make life here at Hej Doll a little easier.