Please note, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). I only recommend products that I use and have found helpful!

If you’re a beginner, starting a new fitness journey can be overwhelming.

If you are completely new or are still in the early stages of becoming the best you and living a healthier lifestyle, you might feel intimidated or not sure what to do first. In this Beginner’s Guide to Working Out I’m going to share a few Do’s and Don’ts to get you started right with your workout program. These are tips I’ve learned along the way to help get you started and feeling more confident in what you’re doing.

Start with Cardio

If you don’t know what to do first, try kicking off your workout with 30 minutes of some type of cardio three times per week. (Note: if you have any existing conditions, always consult your doctor first to make sure you are healthy enough and cleared to workout!). Pick something you enjoy – running, jogging, walking briskly, cycling, rollerblading, swimming, jumping rope, etc.  Then two days a week, incorporate a strength training routine. You can do bodyweight exercises, like pushups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, etc. You can also try adding hand weights for added resistance, starting light and increasing the weight as you get stronger.

Mix It Up

Often times when you read or hear about exercise, the term “routine” shows up a lot. While having a routine is great, there is great value in “shaking things up” as well. If you do the same routine day in and day out, your muscles will get used to it and you will hit a plateau. To get the most out of your workout you can exercise in intervals or mix up the intensity and throw in a few new lifts or exercises each week to keep your body guessing and performing at its highest level.

Remember to Breathe

Sometimes the simplest of things are the first things we forget to do. As humans, we breathe every day without hesitation. But as soon as we get into the gym, breathing goes out the window. Throughout a workout, having control of your breath will allow you to push through tough lifts and finish strong. Try to focus on your posture and on the muscles that you are working and focus on your breathing. Remember that your muscles need oxygen in order to work at optimum capacity.

Wear the Proper Footwear

It’s important to invest in a quality pair of workout shoes. Not the cutest or the coolest pair you can find but ones that provide comfort and stability for your body. Do some research and read reviews to find out which specific type can benefit you the most. Shoes play an important role in your quest for a healthy lifestyle. When your feet are uncomfortable you are more likely to skip your workouts. Not to mention you can get injured if you aren’t wearing the appropriate shoes for your workout.

Running shoes are the most common type of shoes you’ll find in stores, but shouldn’t be used for every type of workout. Running shoes are designed for forward motion and the cushioning is there to absorb the shock of impact when your foot hits the ground. If you’re doing a high-intensity workout with lots of jumps, side to side movements or plyometrics, the extra cushioning won’t allow you to land properly. This can potentially result in knee and ankle injuries. Many footwear stores can custom fit you for the correct pair of shoes for your personal stance, gait, and foot size. Just ask!

Find a Workout Buddy

You don’t have to go through this battle alone! Finding a partner to hold each other accountable will often keep you motivated and on track with workouts. Not only will you have someone there to push you to new heights, but working out with a partner is much safer. If you’re alone during your weight exercises, you are less likely to try that next step. With a lifting buddy, you will be encouraged and comfortable to push yourself knowing that someone is there to protect and help you. Trust me, many of us have no idea how much we hold our bodies back just out of fear of failure.

Ignore the Numbers

Probably the most important thing to remember when you first start working out is to not obsess with the numbers and keep going. Results will not come overnight so make sure you have the right mindset going in. Setting goals are a great way to measure success but don’t forget, goals can always be reevaluated and changed. Sometimes we set the bar too high and if we fail to reach it we get discouraged and we just quit. Why not reevaluate that goal to something more attainable that you can build and expand on? In today’s society, it’s so easy to get locked in on the numbers on the scale. As beginners, sometimes we need to toss aside the numbers and just ask ourselves, “Do you feel like a better you?” If the answer is yes, then you are on the right track!

For More Healthy Tips

Did you like this Beginner’s Guide to Working Out but want more actionable & healthy tips delivered right to your inbox? You can sign up for my FREE 7-Day Kickstart to a New You email series and you will receive 7 Healthy Strategies and action tips you can put to use right away!

And you can continue learning more by reading these related articles to get you started and keep you going!

Ways to Start a Workout Routine and Actually Stick to it!
Want Workout Motivation? Try This One Trick!
5 Fitness Motivation Tips – When You Just Don’t Wanna Workout
3 Easy Strategies for Choosing What to Wear to the Gym

If you found this helpful, please feel free to use those share buttons and of course be sure to Save to Pinterest for Later!