gym bag Archives - Demi Joie

Tips For Having a Successful Fitness Journey

I decided to write this post about Tips For Having a Successful Fitness Journey because I’ve been on multiple unsuccessful fitness journeys. All of them went the same way. I would start to work out, become sore or extremely busy, and then I would quit. I never took it as seriously as I should have. Working out and eating healthy was always easy in the beginning, but I never knew how to get back on the horse once I feel off.

I’m the type of person that tends to fail at things that are not working towards a goal. So during the summer of 2019, my husband and I started discussing when we wanted to have children. And I concluded that I wanted to be in my best health before getting pregnant. I knew that working out could make being pregnant and giving birth easier. And it could alleviate some of my anxiety and stress about both the pregnancy and giving birth.

I’m not going to say that this journey has been smooth sailing because it’s had its ups and downs. There have been moments when I wanted to quit and weeks where I didn’t work out more than I did. However, I didn’t allow those moments to stop me from getting back on the horse and continuing on my route. I feel like this is the perfect time to share some of my tips for having a successful fitness journey + gym bag essentials.

I hope these help you as much as they have helped me.

Check out my previous Gym Bag Essentials Post as well.

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Tips For Having a Successful Fitness Journey + Gym Bag Essentials

Stop Making Excuses

Before I started, I wrote down all the reasons that I believed that I failed in the past. I’ve used every excuse under the sun. I don’t have enough time. Not knowing where to start. I don’t have money for a gym membership. All these things weren’t good reasons why I quit or didn’t start at all. I decided to change my mindset and find solutions to the excuses I was making. When I felt as if I didn’t have enough time, so I cut down on my social media and television consumption to make time. I didn’t know where to start, so I stopped overthinking it and started small. I didn’t have enough for a gym membership, so I worked out at my apartment gym and outside. Sit down and think about whether or not this is a genuine reason why you can’t start or continue.

Know what you’re trying to accomplish and be realistic about the timeline

Why are you starting this journey? Why now? I always suggest for people to have a goal in mind. Know why you’re there. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated or extravagant. It can be as simple as wanting to feel better.

Have A Plan

Starting a fitness journey without a plan will lead to an extremely unsuccessful journey. I figured this out soon after starting. But I’m also the type of person that loves to schedule my day for maximum productivity. I have a weekly workout plan that tells me which body part to work each day. It’s also important for me to plan out which exercises I want to do for each body part as well. I switch it up frequently to not become stagnant and bored. There are a lot of fitness influencers that sell fitness plans if you’re unable to come up with your own. I would recommend doing your research on them beforehand. I found that its easier to get in and out of the gym when I have my workout planned. I’m also not wasting my time doing nothing in the gym.

Determine what time works best for you

If you work 9 to 5, it’s best to determine what time of day works best for you. Would you rather get up in the morning and go to the gym? Or would you rather get extra sleep and workout after getting off work? That’s all based on who you are as a person. I always tell people that if you’re a morning person, it’s best to work out before you start your day. You lessen the chance of becoming exhausted and not going to work out. If you prefer to work out after work, I would suggest not going home before going to the gym. Seeing your bed has a way of hypnotizing you to lay down in it and not get up. So take your gym bag with you so you can stop on your way home.

Consult a Professional

If you’ve ever read any of my other posts, you would know that I’m all about consulting a professional. I know that I don’t know anything. When I first started working out, I went onto Groupon to find fitness classes to attend. Why? Because attending fitness classes allowed me to get workout ideas and advice from professionals. It served as my foundation. Now when I go to the gym, I have some idea of what I’m doing. And when I’m feeling stagnant, I start attending different classes again.

Start Slow

Do not, I repeat, do not start off trying to do snatches or deadlift heavyweight. Start slow and work your way up to harder exercises and heavier weights. Doing too much could lead to severe injuries or getting burnt out too quickly.