Your fitness journey is as unique as you are; each individual aims for different outcomes and has various commitments to be mindful of, which is why fitness is a highly personal journey. There are a myriad of factors you have to assess in order to find the right fitness course to achieve your goals without sacrificing the fun and enjoyment of exercising to maintain a long-term habit. It is essential to put the time and effort into finding the right fitness programmes in Australia to figure out where you should start, especially as a beginner.
Assess your fitness level and goals
The first and most important step to consider before starting any fitness course is to assess your fitness level. You will need to be honest with yourself about your skill level and ability before you comb through the internet for gym class options. Depending on your ability, whether that is a fitness amateur or a gym buff, you can determine the most appropriate class for your fitness level. Fitness programmes made for beginners are often equipped with generous advice, assistance and guidance to be especially helpful and accommodating to newcomers.
Other than that, your fitness goals will also help you narrow down the right fitness courses for your specific needs. As you decide whether you are aiming for weight loss, muscle gain or an overall body workout, you may find that your overall fitness can also be categorised into:
- Cardiovascular health, which includes exercises like swimming, jogging, and aerobics that promote heart health and weight loss;
- Muscle building and strength training, which helps to build muscle mass and increase metabolism, and;
- Balance and flexibility, including the likes of yoga and pilates, which boost your body’s movements.
From this analysis, you will start to develop an idea of what classes to sign up for that would help you achieve your end goals.
Consider the time and cost commitments
After assessing your fitness level, you should also assess the time and money you will need to invest in your fitness journey. If you are considering joining a class, you should keep in mind the timing and schedule of the classes and whether you can fit it into your daily routine. Realistically, as regular working adults, you may be constrained to an inflexible 9-to-5, so be sure to do your research. On top of that, some classes can be more physically demanding than others, so make sure to allocate enough rest time to mitigate any injuries or burnout to increase your chances of committing to the routine.
Other than time constraints, you may also be tied to a strict budget. This is where research is most crucial, and patience is most needed. Spend as much time as you need to look up different memberships and training programmes in various gyms. While it may be tempting to sign up for long-term membership contracts to grab a big discount, note that different gyms have varied cancellation policies and charges that may cost you more money should you change your mind. Instead, shop around for different options before settling on a fitness course and a gym membership you are confident and comfortable with.
Research different types of fitness programmes
As you narrow down your choices, you should also research the different fitness courses available to you and how they can each get you closer to your fitness goals. If you have any friends or family who are involved in fitness and sports, you can also try asking them for any input or advice on your desired class. Some gyms also have a guest pass you can benefit from if someone you know is a member, so you can try out their gym facilities or programmes for free or at a discounted rate.
The internet is also saturated with information that can help you find out what you can expect from similar training programmes. Note that there are many ways to achieve your end goal, so keep trying out new training courses if one does not excite or motivate you. For example, you may be looking to incorporate a cardio activity into your fitness programme, but you tried and failed at jogging. You can still try a multitude of other exercises like swimming, boxing, and cycling to achieve similar results.
Stay motivated and keep making progress
Last but not least, in order to achieve your goals, you have to learn to stay consistent and to continue making progress. It can feel especially difficult on some days or when you notice a stagnation in your progress, so here are some tips to help you keep going.
- Set realistic goals
Oftentimes, as we start a new project, we are tempted to set very ambitious goals while our motivation levels are high. However, this can turn into a catalyst for your deterrence to continue your progress. Instead, try to take smaller steps and set measurable and manageable goals that are more realistic to your lifestyle and skills to motivate you to keep achieving your fitness milestones.
- Track your progress
On days when you feel like you are stagnating, or that your goals are too out of reach, it can be helpful to look back on the past milestones that you have reached to encourage and inspire you. Keep a diary of your progress and update regularly so you can visibly see progress. You can also turn to social media as a digital diary alternative to hype yourself up and track your bodily changes.
Inversely, scheduling effective progress-tracking can also prevent you from obsessing and overanalysing your progress which can lead to more harmful side effects. Unsurprisingly, like everything else, consistency and discipline work best in moderation.
- Celebrate your achievements
Find creative ways to celebrate every milestone you hit, even the small ones. Whether you treat yourself to something new, post your achievements online, or even get a sweet treat to cap the celebration off, remind yourself to give yourself a pat on the back for your effort. You deserve the kindness that you freely give to others
- Establish a buddy system
And finally, if all else fails, you can also ask a friend to be your designated accountability buddy to help maintain your routine. Some people may find it a lot easier to have company for them to hold themselves accountable to their routine or fitness course, so phone a friend and see if that helps you stay on track. To sum it up, making the right decision on what training programmes work best for you is a personal process that benefits from a thorough assessment and understanding of yourself as well as your surroundings. Remember to keep going and keep trying until you find the training routine that works for you, and to never quit trying. If you are looking to get officially certified as a personal trainer, visit www.pt-courses.com.au to find out how you can expand your horizons in fitness education in Australia.