“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great!” – Zig Ziglar

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’d like to exercise, but I’m just too unfit?” Or maybe this is something you say to yourself. As a fitness professional, this is a concern that I hear a lot! Fear of what people might think, fear of injury or being embarrassed of not being able to complete certain exercises – these are all genuine reasons for someone to avoid exercise altogether. But these fears limit your ability to engage in activities that are so beneficial to your health, and of course these fears are not true.

Telling yourself you are “too unfit” will never change your reality, and it’s time to replace that negative self-talk with much more constructive words, like, “I may not be as fit as I want to be, but I am able to move, and over time I will improve!”

If you are feeling like this or know someone who may be feeling like this, please keep reading and share my recommendations for overcoming these fears.

Ignore Negative Self Talk
We are our own worst critics, and we often tell ourselves things that are far from reality. For example, I know that some (women in particular) limit themselves from going to the gym, walking into the weights room, or starting a new fitness class because they think that people will stare or judge them. But in reality, most people are staring at themselves and are too worried about their own health, so other people are the last thing on their minds. The gym is probably one of the most egocentric places in the world and, more often than not, I catch people staring at themselves and not at others.

Just Start
There will never be a perfect time to start exercising because starting should have happened months ago or even years. Don’t wait for next Monday, or when you have a buddy, or when you get better workout clothes, START NOW! Exercises like running, walking, squatting, push-ups, lunges, sit ups, and stretching are all exercises that are 100% free and can be completed in the comforts of your own home. The most important part about getting started is to just MOVE the body and improve your fitness. Gradually build your own confidence with basic exercise movements, and move your body daily for about 30 minutes.

Invest in a Professional
If you are significantly worried about injury and have little knowledge on body mechanics, then investing in a personal trainer may be a good idea. This does not have to be a long-term commitment; however, gaining some basic recommendations and exercise tips could avoid the occurrence of injury. I also recommend that you research multiple fitness websites and reputable fitness influencers in order to help you with alternative exercises, tips and tricks. Please refer to my details below for any fitness and general health questions that you may have. I am more than happy to help!

Start Slow
Many people who are new to exercise start an exercise regimen that is too hard and too fast, which either leads to injury or burnout. If you are brand new, I would recommend that you schedule rest/recovery days and listen to your body during workouts. Pull back the intensity if needed and take things at your own pace. Your body will let you know when it feels good to push harder.

Practice Makes Perfect
Like any other sport or activity, autonomy comes with practice and repetition. If you are new to exercise, things may feel awkward and uncomfortable at first; however, with consistency and repetition, your body will adapt and your skills will improve. Often, the things we are good at are the things we like, and the things we dislike are the things that challenge us. The only way to overcome this is to learn and become better at the things we are not so good at. I always tell my clients, “The exercise we hate the most is often the exercise we need the most.”

Exercising for the very first time or the first time in a long time can be very daunting. Remember that you don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great! You can always try out a free week with me at your local Camp Gladiator location (see details below).

Let’s get you moving!

TIMES & LOCATIONS
Lake Nona Family Dentistry – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 5:15 a.m.
Spring of Life United Methodist Church – Tuesday, Thursday 5:45 p.m.
Moss Park Elementary School – Monday, Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Vernice Salveron-Gasper
Primary Trainer/ Occupational Therapist
Phone: 321-947-9948
Email: vernicesalveron@campgladiator.com