Starting your fitness journey can be both exciting and overwhelming.
With so much advice out there, it’s easy to feel lost before you even take your first step.
Whether you’re aiming to get stronger, lose weight, or simply feel better, there are some essential things you need to know before diving in.
It’s not just about lifting weights or running miles—it’s about having the right mindset, knowing what really matters, and avoiding common mistakes that can set you back.
In this guide, you’ll discover the key insights every beginner needs to succeed. Get ready to approach your fitness journey with confidence and clarity!
My Journey
So, let me tell you a little something about my decade-long fitness journey. It’s been a wild ride, full of random trends, “expert” advice, and more self-experimentation than a mad scientist.
Some of it worked, turning me into a stronger, healthier version of myself. Other times? Well, let’s just say I wiped out years of progress faster than I could finish a Netflix series.
Now, if I could hit the reset button on this whole fitness thing, there are definitely a few things I’d do differently.
Grab a snack, sit back, and get ready for the 11 lessons I’d pass on to my past self—and to you!
1. Don’t listen to people just because they look good
Let’s start with my Freelee the Banana Girl phase. Do you know her?
She’s that YouTuber who ate something like 15 bananas a day and looked amazing while doing it.
Of course, I thought, “Bananas? I can do that!” but guess what- my body disagreed. Big time.
Here’s the thing: just because someone looks like a fitness model doesn’t mean they know squat about actual fitness.
Sometimes, they just have good genes, the right angles, and a lot of filters.
Trust me—fitness advice should come from someone who knows their stuff, not just someone with a six-pack and an Instagram account.
2. Take progress pictures once a month—max
Remember when Instagram fitness influencers made it seem like posting progress pics was essential?
So there I was, taking photos every week like my body would magically transform overnight.
Progress isn’t always about how you look.
Ask yourself: Do you feel stronger? Happier? Less winded after climbing stairs? Are your jeans fitting a bit better? Great! Save yourself the stress, and take those photos less often.
Unless you’re auditioning for a bodybuilder competition, no one needs that kind of weekly pressure.
3. Mobility work is more important than you think
Once upon a time, I was the queen of skipping stretches. Post-workout, I was out of that gym faster than you could say “cool down.”
Now, with tight hamstrings, a herniated disc, and a back that feels like it’s auditioning for a horror movie, I regret that.
Turns out, not being able to touch your toes comes back to haunt you.
Do You want to still be running races at 70 or you just want to be able to get out of your chair without groaning? Stretch now and thank me later.
4. Stop sweating the small stuff—1% performance enhancers are overrated
Have you ever spent way too much time researching whether you should eat protein exactly 60 minutes after a workout or three hours later? Yeah, I WAS ALSO THERE.
Here’s the truth: it doesn’t matter unless you’re training for the Olympics.
The basics—eat protein, sleep, stay hydrated—are what count.
So don’t get lost down a rabbit hole of fitness hacks. And as a matter of fact, they won’t make or break your progress.
5. Do what you actually enjoy
Running clubs are the new CrossFit, haven’t you heard?
A bunch of us millennials ditched post-work gym sessions for jogging around the neighborhood, and honestly, it’s been a blast.
We’re not chasing six-packs or glutes of steel; we’re just moving because it feels good.
Stop doing workouts you hate just because you think they’ll get you “results.”
Find something you love—whether it’s dancing, swimming, or just taking a walk—and you’ll stick to it without even thinking about it.
6. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably a lie
Ah, intermittent fasting—aka “skip breakfast and all your dreams will come true.” Yeah, I fell for that one.
Sure, it works for some people, but it’s not the miracle cure it’s made out to be.
Most of the research that praises it was done on men, and female hormones? Totally different ball game.
So, if someone promises you magical results with minimal effort, run the other way.
7. Slow down and actually listen to your body
If you’d told me to “listen to my body” a few years ago, I’d have looked at you like you had three heads.
I was living at 100 mph, working long hours, and hitting the gym on autopilot.
Now, thanks to things like mindfulness and breathwork (and let’s be real, age), I’ve learned to slow down and actually recognize what my body needs.
Whether it’s food, rest, or a change in routine, your body knows. Only if you can just slow down enough to listen.
8. Stop waiting for motivation
You know those people who say, “You’re so motivated!” Ha! If they only knew.
Motivation is like that friend who says they’ll come to your party and then cancels at the last minute. It’s unreliable.
What does matter? Consistency. I wasn’t “motivated” to go to the gym when I was feeling low, but I went because it was part of my routine.
Trust me, you won’t always feel like doing it, but doing it anyway is what counts.
9. Update your identity or stay stagnant
I’ve seen it time and time again.
People who call themselves “the lazy one” or “the chubby girl” end up staying exactly that.
Why? Because they don’t let themselves grow out of that identity.
I used to struggle with anxiety and was, let’s face it, not exactly winning any beauty contests.
But one day, I decided to stop labeling myself as the awkward, unfit girl and started living like the confident, healthy person I wanted to be.
It wasn’t instant, but over time, I became that person. Stop telling yourself who you are and start showing yourself who you can be.
10. Fuel your body—like, properly
You want to feel better almost immediately? Stop skipping meals or living on junk food.
Fuel your body with good stuff like carbs around your workout, protein for those muscles, and water—so much water.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy supplements. Just eat well, rest when you need to, and watch your performance improve without all the drama.
11. You don’t have to eat bland food to be healthy
Look, I’ve tried the whole “broccoli and chicken every day” diet, and guess what? It sucks.
The key to sticking with a healthy eating plan is actually enjoying your food.
So if that means snacking on yogurt, bananas with peanut butter, or a sandwich, go for it.
As long as you’re making better choices most of the time, you’re on the right track. Because honestly, life’s too short to eat bland food every day.
Conclusion
There you have it—11 little nuggets of wisdom from my long and winding fitness journey.
If you take anything away from this, let it be this: Fitness is about feeling good, not just looking good.
Now go forth and crush it—but maybe skip the 15-bananas-a-day plan.
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