Beginner Exercise Program: Getting Started

Beginner Exercise Program

Wondering how to start exercising? Take the all important first step, and make the commitment to yourself today to start feeling better, looking better, and being better.

Wherever you may be in your life, there is no better time than right here and right now to start a beginner exercise program. See workouts below.

Make The Decision

Meeting your fitness goals begins with the conscious decision to make a change. The mind really does control the body. You must first have it set in your mind that you will do what it takes to get what you want.

Do you think you want a change, or do you know that you want a change? You can have the body and health you want if you make the mental commitment to get it. Promise yourself here and now that you will do whatever it takes to get there.

Determine Your Goals

Another important step in meeting your fitness goals is to determine exactly what it is that you want. Having a clear visual image of your goal is vital to your success. Ask yourself this: What are my fitness goals? And more importantly, Why? Be specific.

Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to feel healthy? Do you want to look better? Do you want to lose weight because you've had your eye on that little black dress at the mall? Do you want to feel healthy so you can keep up with the kids on the weekends? Do you want to look better so the opposite sex will notice you more? Whatever the reason is, it's a great reason. It's your reason.

As a personal trainer, I have seen that by determining the root cause of your goals, you are much more likely to stick to your decision. The why is the single most important element. You would not even be here if there was not a very good underlying reason, right? So determine your why, then write it down so you won't forget it.

Have A Plan

You've made the decision to start improving yourself physically. You've laid out very specific goals for yourself, and you've determined why it is important to you. Great! The next step to starting a fitness routine is to determine the best course of action.

Whether your fitness goals are for health benefits, aesthetic purposes, or some combination of both, you'll want to have a plan. In fact, you must have a plan. Think of your fitness plan as a road map. This road map should get you where you want to go in the shortest amount of time--no detours, no pit stops, and no getting lost.

In addition to your resistance training program, you will want to begin a cardiovascular exercise routine. And you will want to follow sound nutritional guidelines. These will be your main components of fitness. Utilizing all three together will help ensure your success.

Support Network

The path to your fitness goals can be made easier and more enjoyable if you have someone to share it with. The help and support of family and friends can really come in handy when times get tough. Chances are, you will be tested at some point along your journey. Making the right choices day in and day out can be trying sometimes. Having someone there to hold you accountable is a great way to stay on track.

Starting a beginner exercise program will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself. Make the decision, set a goal, have a plan and, then, take action. You're going to feel great. You can do this.

Weight Training For Beginners

Beginner Exercise Program (Home)

Dumbbell Squat 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Stability Ball Chest Press 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Bent Over Dumbbell Row 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Dumbbell Stiff Leg Deadlift 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Standing Dumbbell Curl 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Dumbbell Front Raise 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Tricep Kick Back 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Crunch 3 sets, 15-20 reps each.

Beginner Exercise Program (Gym)

Seated Leg Press 3 sets, 12-15 reps each leg.
Lat Pull Down 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Barbell Bench Press 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Lying Hamstring Curl 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Cable Side Raise 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Cable Tricep Press Down 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Standing Cable Curl 3 sets, 12-15 reps each.
Stability Ball Crunch 3 sets, 1 minute each (or to failure).