The First Six Weeks
It's a familiar story – someone starts working out, full of energy and enthusiasm, yet within a couple of months they have quit, the gym membership card is buried down the back of the couch, and the new trainers are gathering dust under the bed.
So how do you avoid this? The secret lies in understanding what happens in the first six weeks of a new work out programme. Why? Because this is a crucial time. Get the first six weeks right, and you can be on your way to a new lifestyle of health and fitness.
Here's what to do – and what not to do.
Start slowly:
It's January 1st, and you're full of enthusiasm. You're going to work out every day, so that you can really make some progress. Wrong! If you go to hard to start, you'll burn out, both mentally and physically. Start at a level you know you can maintain – say, three times a week. Once your body and your mind start to adjust, add in another session. Unless you are a competitive athlete, five sessions per week is the most you will ever need.
Don't be competitive:
Stick to a level of intensity that is appropriate for you as a beginner. Ignore what you see others at the gym doing – it is irrelevant to you.
Allow time to see results:
If you do things right, you will get results. Allow time, however – the best indicators will be the way you look naked, and the way your clothes fit. Weight loss can be deceptive – you can lose fat and gain muscle, dramatically improving your look and your health without much change in weight.
When to push and when to back off:
No pain no gain? Not true – as a beginner you want to go easy – the most important thing is that you are able to actually do your next workout!
Professional help:
If you are working out for the first time, it is well worth considering hiring a personal trainer. You will get an appropriate and progressive programme, be taught the right techniques, and have someone to motivate you.
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