Starting a weight management journey can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Incorporating physical activity into your routine is a significant part of this journey, and there are so many in similar, freshly purchased trainers as you.
Yet, it mustn’t turn into an intimidating or shame-driven effort. There are plenty of compassionate and inclusive ways to become more active and make the most of the path ahead. So, let’s delve into the most efficient and enjoyable ways to kickstart this journey.
Start With A Few Simple Stretches
Incorporating a few simple stretches into your daily routine can be an excellent, gentle, and accessible starting point. Stretching has the potential to kickstart your path towards an active lifestyle. It eases your body into physical activity, increases flexibility and mobility, and steadily improves your stamina.
Most importantly, it cultivates a habit of care for your body and its well-being in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. The daily act of stretching can become a moment of mindfulness, a quiet space where you appreciate your body for what it’s capable of right now, while also nurturing its potential for growth and strength.
Make Walking A Habit
Walking is perhaps the simplest way to start your fitness journey. Incorporate walks into your daily routine, whether it’s during your lunch break, after dinner, taking your dog out each day, or first thing in the morning. Try to start with a few minutes of walking each day and progressively build it up. It’s a low-impact exercise and a wonderful step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Try Indoor Cycling
Cycling, specifically indoor cycling, can be a gentle yet effective way for beginners to introduce themselves to regular exercise. It’s a low-impact, heart-healthy activity that can be easily incorporated into a busy schedule. With stationary bikes, you can choose your own pace and easily track your progress, lending an easy-to-access motivation to your fitness journey.
Discover Yoga
Yoga can be an excellent introduction to physical activity for those beginning their weight management journey. It promotes flexibility, improves balance, and strengthens your core. Additionally, yoga also offers mental benefits like stress reduction and improved focus which can be invaluable in your weight management journey.
If this sounds like your sort of thing, do check out our tips for yoga beginners on how to get started. Namaste!
Strength Training
Don’t be daunted by the term ‘Strength Training.’ It doesn’t mean you have to lift super heavy weights. With weight training, it’s all about starting small and increasing gradually. Even bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups can provide a strong foundation of strength and fitness.
Engage In Fun Activities
Turning your hobbies into a form of exercise can make your fitness journey much more pleasant. Enjoy dancing? Consider joining a Zumba or dance class. Love the water? Try swimming, water aerobics or even surfing. The key is to find activities that you truly enjoy and look forward to.
Sign Up For Group Fitness Classes
Exercising doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. Joining a group exercise class can be a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and foster a sense of community while working towards a shared goal. Group classes can be incredibly motivating and add an element of fun to your routine.
Consider Aquatic Exercise
Water-based activities offer a particularly gentle way to begin your fitness journey, especially for those with joint concerns or mobility issues. From senior water aerobics to casual swimming, the natural buoyancy of water helps support your body whilst providing resistance for effective exercise. Many leisure centres offer specialised sessions throughout the day, making it easier to find a time and group that suits your comfort level. The social aspect of these classes can be particularly beneficial, with many participants forming lasting friendships whilst improving their fitness together.
Enlist Professional Help
If you’re unsure about where to start, it could be beneficial to get guidance from a professional fitness trainer. Personal trainers can provide tailored advice and exercise plans to suit your current fitness level and goals. They can also ensure you’re performing exercises correctly to avoid potential injuries.
Improve Compassion
Of course, physical activity isn’t the only important factor here, particularly for those who are living with obesity. In a study commissioned by inclusive cycling wear brand FLAB, it was revealed that less than 5% of respondents who are currently living with obesity were aware of the role genetics play in weight management, with recent government policies blamed for undermining people’s ability to have a healthy relationship with their body and what they eat.
The findings of the study went on to recommend that, whilst we know that obesity presents a risk to health, that does not mean that people living with obesity should not be free to enjoy life in exactly the same way. As FLAB intones, the misguided belief that you can shame people into losing weight must end so people can live happily in their body.
The Bottom Line
Embarking on a weight management journey is a significant commitment, and it’s vital to approach it with kindness and patience. Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection but about making small, consistent changes towards a healthier lifestyle. By choosing activities you enjoy and setting realistic fitness goals, you can ensure that exercise becomes a sustainable part of your lifestyle, not a chore.
Celebrate each victory, no matter how small, and remember that each step you take brings you closer to a healthier and happier you. All progress is excellent progress, and embarking on your journey is an achievement in itself.
