Wanting to get back in shape and better your overall health is a great goal to have. However, it can be a little daunting when you’ve never really taken the plunge and set up a fitness routine for yourself. Understandably, working out for the first time can be a challenge as there are more than enough workout routines out on the internet. But as long as you stick with the basics, you will have a larger chance of seeing your goals through. Therefore, the following list includes some of the most important things to keep in mind when working out as a beginner.

Understanding Your Body is Key

One of the very first things you must do before starting on your fitness journey is to understand your body. This means understanding what your strengths and limitations are. For example, if you have back problems them going heavy within the first few months may not be the best of choices. It is highly recommended to speak with your personal physician to obtain a more detailed report on your body. Often times, your doctor can recommend certain workouts that will improve your weaknesses.

Find an Accountability Buddy

There’s no doubt about it, working out is tough, especially if you’ve never done it before or it’s been a while. In addition, for many, stepping into a gym can be a little intimidating. Therefore, it is recommended to find and workout with an accountability buddy. This is the person who’s going to be stepping into the gym with you and holding you to your promises. A tip to follow when choosing your accountability buddy is to choose someone who has experience working out.

Do Your Research

If you don’t have someone to work out with you, don’t worry. There is plenty of information online on just what and how to use each piece of equipment at the gym. This will allow you to step into the building with an understanding of what machines do what. This can drastically lower your fear of working out in public for the first time.

Don’t Forget Your Nutrition

Although working out is certainly an important part of getting healthy, a bigger part is your food intake. Understanding nutrition and the specific foods you need will drastically improve the chances that you will reach your health goals.