How to confidently begin a new workout routine

The benefits of regular exercise are countless, including:

• Increased energy levels
• Enhanced mental well-being
• Improved sleep quality
• Lower risk of health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension
• Physical changes such as fat loss and a more toned body

Once you commit to exercising and start seeing results, you’ll be hooked! Taking that first step is the hardest part, but we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide on how to start a new fitness routine, and you’ll be confidently stepping into the gym before you know it!

(As always, we recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any new health or fitness routine, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.)

Determine your starting point

Are you new to working out, getting back into a routine after a break, or switching up your fitness focus? No matter which category you fall into, it’s important that your workout plan aligns with your current fitness level. For instance, if you’re already fairly active, you might be ready to dive into more challenging exercises. But if you’re just starting out or haven’t been consistent for a while, it’s best to ease in gradually. Pushing too hard, too soon can lead to burnout or injury, which can set you back. If you’re new to exercising, it’s a great idea to book a session with a personal trainer to learn the proper techniques and get personalised guidance to achieve your fitness goals.

Find your “why”

Before diving into your new workout routine, take a moment to clarify your motivation. Whether it’s improving your mental well-being, getting better sleep, boosting your energy levels, managing health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, building muscle, or losing weight, your reason is personal and unique to you. Remember, your “why” doesn’t have to match anyone else’s. What matters most is that you have something driving you to stay consistent!

Set reasonable goals to track your progress

Having a goal to work toward will help you stay motivated. But avoid setting goals that are too general like “lose weight” or anything you may not be able to realistically stick to like “go to the gym 6 days a week.” When setting goals, think SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive). Here are a few examples of SMART fitness goals:

“I will gain 3kg in lean muscle mass within the next 3 months.”

“I will fit into that too-tight pair of jeans in time for my birthday on 11 December.”

“I will be able to run a 5k without stopping by Christmas.”

“I will improve my mental health and be able to reduce my number of therapy sessions by the start of 2025.”

Not only do these goals give you something to work toward – they also have some parameters to help you stay accountable and consistent.

There are many ways you can track your fitness progress, and many of them don’t even involve weighing yourself. Other ways to check in on your progress are taking progress pics, using the body composition machine at the gym, tracking the amount of weight you’re lifting in the gym, and paying attention to the way your clothes fit.

Also keep in mind that certain goals may be harder for you to track, like improvements to mental health, energy levels, and sleep quality. When it comes to these goals, it may help to keep a journal of how you’re feeling. Then go back periodically to read some of your old entries to see just how far you’ve come!

Push through that initial self-consciousness in the gym

Walking into the gym for the first time or after a long break can feel intimidating, like all eyes are on you. But rest assured, most people are so focused on their own workouts that they’re not paying attention to anyone else. Many gyms offer complimentary tours to new members and some even offer a complimentary PT session to help you get started. If you’re brand new to Moorgate Fitness Club, a member of our team will be happy to show you the ropes!

As you build confidence, try scheduling your gym visits during quieter hours. This way, you’ll have more space to move around and won’t have to wait for the specific machines or weights you want to use.

Wear workout clothes that you feel great in

Gym wear is all about comfort, not fashion! Make sure you wear clothes that you feel confident in and that you can easily move around in. If your gym fit is also cute, that’s a bonus but not nearly as important as comfort!

Try out different forms of exercise

If you’re just getting started with exercise or returning to a routine, this is a great time to try different types of workouts. Ideally, you’ll want to balance strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. Whether it’s weightlifting, HIIT, yoga, dancing, swimming, running, Pilates, cycling, calisthenics, or even team sports—there’s something for everyone! Trying out new forms of exercise can keep things interesting and help you stay motivated. Plus, when you find workouts you genuinely enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with them.

Pre-plan your workouts

Having a plan before you hit the gym will help you stay focused. Instead of wandering around without direction, know exactly what exercises you’re going to do. It can be helpful to track your workouts in a journal or even in your phone’s notes app. If you’re not sure where to start, consider getting a custom workout plan from a PT, signing up for a fitness app with guided sessions, or checking out free workout videos on YouTube for inspiration.

Find an accountability partner

You’re a lot less likely to make excuses if you have someone else relying on you! If you have a friend, family member, or partner who is also looking to get into a solid workout routine, see if they’d be open to hitting the gym together and sharing your progress to keep one another accountable. Someone else who is new to your gym also makes a great workout buddy!

Listen to your body and prioritise recovery

Recovery is just as important as the time you spend exercising. Rest days allow your muscles to heal and prevent injury, while also giving your mind a chance to recharge. If you’re feeling sore a few days after a tough workout, don’t push yourself into another intense session. Gentle activities like yoga or a long walk can still keep you moving while allowing your body to recover.

Put together an awesome gym playlist

Listening to music that gets you energised will help power you through your workouts. Music has even been shown to increase motivation and stamina and improve your overall workout performance!

Don’t forget about nutrition

Good nutrition goes hand in hand with exercise, and having a healthy diet will help you get the most out of your workouts. Load up your plate with fruits and vegetables and incorporate plenty of lean protein, healthy fats, and whole carbohydrates to power you through your workouts. You don’t need to cut out “unhealthy” foods altogether but try to limit sugary snacks and ultra-processed foods in favour of whole foods.

Reward yourself for hitting fitness milestones

To keep yourself motivated, reward yourself when you hit milestones. For example, treat yourself to a new pair of trainers after reaching a weightlifting goal, or celebrate completing your first 5k with a nice dinner out.

Push through dips in motivation

It’s common to feel excited and motivated when you first start a new fitness routine. But over time, that enthusiasm may fade, especially if progress isn’t as quick as you hoped. Don’t give up! Sustainable results take time, and building a habit requires patience. If you feel stuck, try mixing things up by increasing your weights or trying new classes to restart that fire in you.

Incorporate movement into your daily routine

In addition to the time you set aside for gym sessions or formal workouts, try to get more active in your day-to-day life as well. This will help create a habit around staying active. You could walk or cycle to work instead of catching the bus, do some stretches while watching TV at night, or swap the lift for the stairs whenever possible.

Avoid comparing yourself to others

Everyone is on their own journey with their own unique goals and fitness abilities. If you’re just starting out or getting back into fitness after some time off, the worst thing you could do is compare yourself to others, particularly professionals or people who have been exercising consistently for much longer than you. Focus on your own journey, and only follow fitness influencers who make you feel encouraged. If there’s anyone on your social media feed who makes you feel bad about yourself, don’t be afraid to use that mute button!

Are you excited to put these tips into action and start smashing your fitness goals? You’ve got this! If you’re new to working out and want a supportive community to help you accomplish your goals, Moorgate Fitness Club is here for you! Click here to learn a bit about what we do and how you can become a member.