The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Fitness: How to Start Your Journey
Before we dive in our Fitness Guide, let’s get something out of the way right now: starting your fitness journey doesn’t have to be complicated, scary, or something that requires you to “get your life together” first.
You don’t need to wake up at 5 a.m., drink celery juice, buy a $200 gym membership, or live off salads to get started. And if you’ve ever felt like fitness isn’t “for people like you”—I hear you, and I promise you, it is.
This guide is here to give you a real, no-BS starting point. Whether you’re completely new to working out, trying to get back on track after a long break (like me), or just feeling lost in the noise, this is for you.
1. Ditch the All-Or-Nothing Mindset
Let’s be honest: how many times have you tried to go “all in” on a plan that required a total lifestyle overhaul—and then crashed and burned within a week or two? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
That mindset is one of the biggest things that keeps people stuck. You don’t need to be perfect, and you absolutely don’t to follow a strict diet, nor work out six days a week, and live like a monk. You need consistency. And guess what? You can be consistent even when life gets messy.
Some weeks, you’ll crush every workout. Others, you’ll just be proud you didn’t eat chips for dinner three nights in a row. Both are valid. Progress isn’t linear, and perfection is not required.
2. Define Your Why
Before you dive into what workouts to do or what to eat, take a minute to ask yourself: Why am I doing this?
Your “why” is the foundation. It’s what’s going to keep you going when motivation fades (because it will). Wanting to look better? Maybe you want to feel more energized? Or you Want to set an example for your kids, or feel strong and confident, or take control of your health—all of it is valid.
Write it down. Put it somewhere you’ll see it. When you feel like quitting, return to that.
3. Don’t Overcomplicate the First Steps
The fitness industry loves to overcomplicate things because it sells better. However, what about the basics? They work. And they’re all you need at the beginning.
- Move your body regularly (start with 2–3x/week)
- Eat real, nourishing food most of the time
- Get enough sleep
- Drink your damn water
- Be patient
You don’t need to “earn” your food or “punish” yourself for missing a workout. You are not a machine—you are a human. Start where you are, and build from there.
4. Choose a Movement You Don’t Hate
Notice I didn’t say “find something you love.” Because sometimes you won’t love working out. And that’s okay.
But you should at least pick something you don’t dread.
If the thought of running makes your soul leave your body, don’t run. And If lifting weights feels empowering and fun, go with that. If dancing around your living room to Beyoncé makes you break a sweat and smile—that counts too.
Above all, the best workout is the one you’ll actually do.
5. Strength Training: The Real Game-Changer
If you’re serious about changing your body, feeling strong, and making long-term progress—strength training is where it’s at.
Lifting weights won’t make you bulky. It will make you:
- Stronger
- Leaner
- More confident
- Better at burning fat
- More resilient (mentally and physically)
If you’re new to lifting, start with bodyweight movements: squats, lunges, pushups, planks, glute bridges. Focus on form over weight. You don’t need to do 100 variations or follow a fancy program to get results.
2–3 strength-focused workouts per week are a solid starting point.
6. Cardio is Cool, But It’s Not Everything
Cardio is great for your heart, your mood, and your overall health—but it’s not the only way (or even the best way) to lose fat or “tone up.” For instance, if you love it, keep doing it. If you hate it, just focus on daily movement: walking, biking, climbing stairs, even pacing during phone calls.
Try aiming for 8–10k steps per day. It’s underrated, free, and insanely effective for fat loss and overall well-being.
7. Nutrition: Fuel, Not Punishment
Let’s clear something up: eating well is not about restriction, guilt, or chasing some aesthetic ideal.
It’s about fueling your body so it can actually support the work you’re doing.
A few simple nutrition rules for beginners:
- Prioritize protein in every meal (helps build muscle + keeps you full)
- Eat whole foods 80% of the time (lean meats, veggies, fruits, complex carbs, healthy fats)
- Stay hydrated
- Don’t fear carbs or fats—they’re both important
- If you’re trying to lose fat, you need to be in a calorie deficit—but don’t overdo it. Too much restriction will backfire.
You don’t have to track every gram or weigh every bite, but it helps to start paying attention to what you’re eating and how it makes you feel.
8. Rest, Recovery, and Sleep
More is not always better. Your body needs time to recover, especially when you’re starting out.
– Rest days are when the real magic happens. That’s when your muscles repair, grow, and get stronger.
– Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night—your hormones, energy, mood, and recovery all depend on it.
– Stretch. Foam roll. Walk. Breathe. Your body will thank you.
You don’t need to “earn” rest. It’s part of the process.
9. Track What Actually Matters
Tracking your weight is fine—but it shouldn’t be your only metric.
Here’s what actually matters:
- How your clothes fit
- How strong you’re getting
- How your energy levels feel
- Your mood and mental clarity
- The fact that you’re showing up for yourself
Take progress photos. Track your lifts. Celebrate every small win. The scale is just a tool—it doesn’t define you.
10. Find Support (You Don’t Have to Do This Alone)
Fitness can feel isolating, especially when your friends or family don’t really get it. So find people who do.
- Follow creators that inspire you without making you feel like crap
- Join a gym or a class
- Hire a coach ( Hi again)
- Connect with a community online or IRL
Having support, guidance, and accountability makes a huge difference. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Final Thoughts
Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, confusing, and honestly—kind of terrifying.
But here’s the truth: You are capable. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.
Start imperfectly! scared! small!
Just Start!
Give yourself grace. Focus on consistency. Trust your body. Be patient. The version of you you’re working toward? They’re already inside you. You’re just uncovering them one step at a time.
If you’re ready to begin, I’m here to help. Whether it’s guidance, coaching, or just someone cheering you on—you’ve got support.
Let’s make your goals real!