Fitness Coaches Reveal the ONE Shocking Mistake 90% of Beginners Make—Are You Guilty?

Starting an exercise routine can be a daunting task, and many individuals make the same common mistake: they jump into a program that’s far too challenging. Whether it's beginning a new running regimen, taking up swimming, or hitting the gym, the desire to push oneself often leads to burnout, injuries, and ultimately, a loss of motivation. As someone who's been through this firsthand, I can attest to how overwhelming it can be.

“People think they’ve got to do everything all at once,” says Hannah Frankson, a Peloton instructor. She highlights the pressure many beginners feel to quickly achieve their fitness goals. Her colleague, Ben Alldis, another Peloton trainer, adds, “I think people get overwhelmed with the expectation of what they need to achieve.” Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for anyone looking to start or maintain an exercise routine.

So, how can beginners navigate the minefield of starting a new fitness journey? Frankson and Alldis provide three essential tips that can help anyone ease into an exercise routine without overwhelming themselves.

Start Smaller Than You Think You Need To

When first getting into exercise, it’s easy to overestimate what you can handle. You might find yourself thinking you can lift heavy weights, run a 5K right off the bat, or power through an intense Zumba class. While you may possess the strength and endurance to accomplish these tasks once, tackling them repeatedly, especially without prior training, can lead to stress on your joints and deplete your energy levels quickly.

“Start with a 10-minute workout, and you can build that confidence, build that momentum,” advises Alldis. By beginning with shorter sessions, you can create consistent habits that will help you gradually increase both the duration and intensity of your workouts as you build strength over time.

Accept That Your Motivation Will Drop

It’s a universal truth: at some point, you just won’t feel like exercising. This drop in motivation is something everyone experiences, including fitness instructors, especially if they’ve taken on a workout program that’s too demanding. “People think I’m just not motivated, I’m different from everyone else, I’m not disciplined; and that’s not true at all,” Frankson points out.

Sometimes, the key is to accept that there will be days when you simply don’t want to exercise and push through anyway. However, if your current routine feels too strenuous, scaling back is perfectly acceptable. Frankson also suggests trying a different type of exercise when motivation wanes, allowing for a refreshing change that could reignite your enthusiasm.

Do Something You Actually Enjoy

Finding an exercise that you enjoy can make all the difference in staying motivated. Experimenting with different workouts might be necessary before you discover something that truly resonates with you. However, it’s essential not to dismiss certain types of exercise before giving them a fair shot. Alldis notes, “People often tell themselves they can’t do something,” which can limit their growth and experience.

He recalls instances where individuals who previously dismissed running ended up loving it. “I feel like people don't give themselves the space and grace to experiment and find out what really works for them,” Frankson adds. Trying various exercise modalities can help you discover what you genuinely enjoy, transforming a daunting workout into a pleasurable activity.

Starting a fitness journey is less about immediate results and more about creating sustainable habits. By beginning with manageable workouts, accepting fluctuations in motivation, and indulging in enjoyable activities, you can build a fulfilling exercise routine that lasts. Remember, the goal isn’t to jump in headfirst but to take small, steady steps toward a healthier lifestyle.