Working out has become a really big part of my life. Over the past two years I became more aware of my health and the impact that being so passive was having in my mind and my body. My therapist made the recommendation many times as it's been known to help those who suffer from anxiety, but it wasn't until I noticed that I was losing my flexibility and had a new job lined up that this idea appealed to me.
It was hard at the beginning, it's still hard now but once you get into the groove of things you realise it isn't as bad as you thought, you get to enjoy that hour plus you have at the gym, outside or even at home. During this two years I've learned that there are certain things can help you have amazing workouts and most of them have helped me to get back into the mindset and actually enjoy it.
Focus on the movements, this means no distractions, and if you are cringing at this, I get it. It isn't easy when you are starting but the more I train, the more I realise that focusing on what you are doing and having proper posture is going to help you not get injured and have better results.
When in doubt, do your favourite workout. We all have those days in which you don't feel like working out, the idea is dreadful but you still have this little voice in the back of your head telling you to at least do something. Do your favourite workout, keep it short, simple and keep a positive mind set, always try to enjoy it. My favourite workout is a quick HIIT circuit, killer but effective.
Hidrate before, after and in between, this is going to help you to keep going. You don't realise how much fluids you lose while sweating until you get that little reminder in form of headaches. And remember to not drink a lot of water at once while training, it can make you feel full and make you nauseous.
Push yourself but know when to have a little rest. There's a difference between hurting yourself and the burn your muscles get when you push them a little bit farther. Learn how far you can be pushed and don't be scared of taking a break from time to time. If you heart rate isn't going down or if your muscles feel like they are starting to cramp then it's time for a little break.
Learn to listen to your body, not every movement is going to feel good and as any trainer, teacher and coach out there is going to tell you, it isn't worth for you to cause a injury for the sake of a pose. So if your knees or joints are hurting come out of the pose and try something else, no one is going to judge you for that.
And as a bonus one, always remember to stretch, your muscles are going to thank you later and you'll be less likely to have cramped, sore muscles the next day.
Once you start working out there's a lot to learn about yourself and your body, you'll go through a change, you'll gain confidence and you'll feel better on the inside, it's going to be a long process but it's up to you whether you are going to enjoy it or dread it.
Find something you love and whenever you get bored switch it up. Don't feel pressured to do as much as others and remember that you don't have to go to the gym 5 days a week. Do what works best for you, don't compare yourself to others and learn to love your body and the amazing ways it can change and how strong it can become. Learn to do it for you.