Getting started with any new task can feel daunting — especially an exercise program! With so many workout options to choose from — cardio, weight lifting, yoga, Pilates — It’s hard to know where to start or how to best set yourself up for success. Do you need equipment? How many days should you exercise? What about rest and recovery? Are you performing the exercises with the correct form? These are all great questions! And while it may seem overwhelming (at first), we assure you that getting started with an exercise program isn’t as scary as you think. And because we always want you to feel prepared and supported, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide that will calm your nerves and answer all your burning questions. Learn beginner tips on how to get started with your fitness journey, and find out how to navigate the FitOn app — with advice on how to choose a FitOn program, set workout reminders, and even join a challenge.
If you can do one thing in return? Don’t stress about it! After all, exercise is also supposed to be a stress reliever. So take some deep breaths and know we’ve got your back. And try to be kind to yourself! You’re doing something so great for your mind, body, and health. If there are bumps in the road — no biggie! It happens to the best of us. Just pick up where you left off and try to show yourself some grace. And hey, we’re proud of you! Now let’s get moving.
How to Get Started With A Fitness Program
You’ve done the hard work — committing yourself to a fitness routine. We’re here to make the rest a breeze! All you have to do is open the FitOn app and let us guide you through the rest.
Step #1: Set Your Fitness Goal
Consider why you want to embark on your fitness journey. Do you want to be more active? Maybe you want to reduce stress or build muscle?
Once you get clear on your goal, head to the FitOn app and open your settings. Under ‘workout preferences,’ you can select your fitness goal and modify any other preferences like workout length, days per work, and your favorite type of workouts!
Step #2: Choose Your FitOn Program
Designed to help you reach your goals faster, there are plenty of FitOn programs to choose from!
Within each category, there are individual programs to support you and your goals! Ranging from 2 to 6 weeks with varying numbers of workouts per week, you’re bound to find your perfect match.
Step #3: Gather Your Equipment
You’ve laid all the groundwork — you’ve set your goals, you’ve chosen a program, now you’re ready to sweat it out!
But what do you need to get started?
Generally speaking, just you, a pair of sneakers, and the FitOn app! One of the best parts about working out with FitOn is that you don’t need any equipment at all to get started. With a variety of no-equipment workouts, you can sweat it out anytime, anywhere.
That said, there are some basics you could benefit from! We recommend starting with:
- Yoga Mat
- Set of dumbbells (3,5,8, or 10 lbs)
- Resistance bands
- Water bottle
The good news? You can find everything you need in our Get Your FitOn Kit!
If you want to level up your workout with the above equipment (or if you already own some), you can browse the FitOn library for workouts based on your desired equipment.
Want to get started with bodyweight and no equipment workouts only? Browse the No Equipment category.
How to Support Your Progress
With so many means of motivation and support, the FitOn app is here to address all your needs throughout your fitness journey. Here are some ways to support your progress:
#1 Schedule Your Workouts & Set Workout Reminders
Did you know you can schedule your workouts right in the FitOn app? You can even set workout reminders, making it easier than ever to stick to your schedule and commit to your goals!
#2 Join a Fitness Challenge
If you’ve fallen off track or need some extra support, sometimes that extra push is all it takes! Enter: FitOn challenges. These challenges can help structure your schedule and give you a goal to work toward! You can even invite your friends to join the challenge with you and call on some friendly competition.
Join FitOn’s monthly challenge, where you work on completing 10 workouts or browse the challenge category for something more specific depending on your fitness goals. You can even make your own challenge!
Consider one of these challenges to get started!
#3 Seek In-App Advice from Trainers & The FitOn Community
Head to the ‘Advice’ tab in the app to access our entire library full of Fitness, Self-Care, Wellness, and Nutrition advice! Get inspired with trending wellness hacks and invaluable fitness advice, and receive easy-to-implement tips from our very own trainers.
If you join FitOn PRO, you’ll also find thousands of delicious recipes, plus get access to personalized meal plans.
#4 Get Workout Recommendations Tailored to You and Your Goals
Once you input all your settings, FitOn will tailor your page for you and your needs. Scroll through the ‘For You’ tab to find workout recommendations you’ll love, with areas to review all your achievements and favorite workouts.
And, if you’re ever wondering if a workout is best for you and your fitness level, all FitOn workouts include an intensity level indicator from Low (1) to High (3) intensity. And, of course, instructors will always provide modifications!
How to Stay Consistent: Beginner Tips
Use The Buddy System
Invite some friendly competition into the mix by exercising with a friend! Having an accountability partner can be really helpful in helping you stay consistent — especially when you’re first getting started. While advanced exercisers can certainly help support your journey, buddying up with someone who is at your fitness level may be best. Aside from keeping each other accountable, you’ll hit similar milestones at similar times, helping to support each other in your fitness endeavors.
Remember Your Why
Like anything else in life, starting something new can be difficult and sometimes frustrating. You may even feel discouraged at times. The thing is, you’re not alone in these emotions! It’s all part of the process. But, when these feelings do arise, staying motivated can be tough. Try to come back to your why. Why did you get started in the first place? What are your goals? Reaffirming this can help reignite your motivation and drive.
Chart Your Progress
It’s easy to overlook your progress when you’re no longer seeing notable changes. Remember: change takes time! And small changes lead to lasting results. Keep a workout journal and include everything you do each day. Be sure to list the weights you used or what fitness class you attended. You will soon notice that your weights are getting heavier, and your workouts have become more consistent. The same goes for your sleep, energy levels, mood, food cravings… chart it all! These changes matter just as much. And yes, your exercise routine can benefit all of these areas!
Don’t Do Too Much Too Soon
You’re excited to start. Awesome! But don’t dive right into the deep end. Dip your toes in first and get used to your new-found way of life. Trying too much too fast may lead to overtraining, exhaustion, and even quitting.
The Takeaway
With workouts and programs for all fitness levels that are led by world-class trainers, FitOn makes it easy to get started with any fitness goal. Once you’ve determined your ‘why’ for getting started, head to the FitOn app and choose a program that’s best for you and your needs! Use these tips to help you stay consistent and accountable — call on outside support (a fitness buddy), or scroll through the app for tips and advice!
