6 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Working Out!-Gym Direct

6 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Working Out!

You want to start your fitness journey?

Unsure what to expect?

Whether you have already begun your fitness journey or are thinking about getting started, we have created a list of some of the best things we wish we knew from the beginning.


1. Everyone starts as a beginner


Even the muscled-up guy at the gym who looks like he could move a mountain, was once a beginner. You need to understand that some people are just further along in their journey than you and that is perfectly fine. Many people feel like they need to know everything before they even start. If you adopt this mentality, it could become a barrier stopping you completely! Throw yourself in the deep end and ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to be a beginner!

2. You won’t always have the motivation to train

Motivation can only get you so far. Discipline and dedication are what it really takes to make any improvement in your health. One of the great ways to be held accountable is to get a workout buddy. They say that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but you will find it takes around 2 – 3 months of regular exercise to get yourself into a routine that lasts! It will become easier to stick to it after you’ve crossed that line.

3. You won’t see progress immediately or even consistently

Persistence is key. Don’t think that after one workout you’ll be able to see your abs. We wish it was that easy! In all honestly, it can take a considerable amount of time to transform your body. The exact time frame will depend on your starting position and your goals. Generally, some people will begin to see results after around 2 weeks when sticking to a workout plan. To see results faster, be sure to nail the next point.

4. Diet plays a bigger role than exercise itself

Ever heard the saying that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise? Well it’s true. The foods you consume, and your caloric intake play a huge role in seeing progress. If your goal is weight loss, you could literally exercise all day, but if you eat too many calories you will still never lose weight. The same goes for building muscle, if you don’t eat enough food surrounding your workouts, you won’t gain weight. It’s a good idea to track your calories and weight (MyFitnessPal is a great app for this), and ensure your diet is composed of at least 80% healthy and whole foods, as well as a good amount of protein.

5. Your fitness level is higher/lower than you think

It’s easy to under/overestimate your strength or fitness level when you start exercising. People may assume they are ready to lift heavy weights or run 10km the first time they start working out because they physically “look fit”. On the other hand, overweight people may think they are weak and unfit because of their unhealthy habits. Your physical abilities are based on more than just how you look. It’s best to start off slow, then as you get more confident with the exercises you can increase the difficulty. Taking on more than you can handle at the beginning can lead to burnout or injury. So take it easy!


6. Having fun will help you stay on track

Don’t like that one exercise? Don’t do it. Don’t like eating that one gross healthy food? Don’t eat it. Don’t like exercising in a gym? Exercise at home. Fitness isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle and you need to make sure you can have fun with it! The harsh reality is that if you don’t enjoy yourself and view it as a chore, you will probably end up quitting. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and get moving however you prefer. Whether it’s climbing a mountain, a beach workout or a run with the dog, find ways to exercise that you enjoy! Appreciating the journey rather than just thinking about the end goal is the key to staying on the fitness train.

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