How to find the right fitness plan for you
Whether you’re entirely new to working out, have taken some time off, or have tried and failed countless times, you can always get back on track. Jumpstart U, a new 4-week program from NEOU introduces you to some of the top fitness instructors and lays out a step-by-step plan to finding the right type of exercise for you.
Here’s what some of the instructors and collaborators of the Jumpstart U program say about discovering your personal fitness plan, staying committed, and finding the motivation to keep progressing forward.
Christi Marraccini from GO
To find what’s right for you:
“Try a bunch of things until you find something you love. It’s okay to change up your workouts. Just because you love something one month, doesn't mean you need to make that your workout for every month.”
To get back (or stay) on track:
“Start small! If you schedule too much at once, it could seem overwhelming. Give yourself small things to accomplish.”
To stay motivated:
“Find a friend. It always helps to have someone else to work out with. When I don't have anyone, I do something I have never done before because new workouts get me excited.”
Jacey Lambros & Danielle DeAngelo from Jane DO
To find what’s right for you:
“Find a workout that you actually enjoy. This means trying out all types of classes until you find one that works for you. Consistency is key when it comes to working out, and when you find something you love to do, it can become habit-forming. ”
To get back (or stay) on track:
“Add workouts to your calendar. If you don't make yourself a priority, no one else will!”
To stay motivated:
“Fitness isn't just physical, it's mental as well. At Jane DO, we measure strength by confidence, in fact we deem it our sexiest quality. What matters is how you feel when you finish your workout because that's what is going to keep you coming back for more.”
Mat Forzaglia from Forzag Fitness
To find what’s right for you:
“Look for beginner classes, and take the ones you find appealing and do as much of it as you can. Continue to work on your weaknesses and eventually you will be able to finish the whole workout.”
To get back (or stay) on track:
“Start off by working out one to two times per week with workouts you really enjoy, then begin to add in different types you haven’t done before. Track those workouts by writing them down and the reps or weights you accomplished.”
To stay motivated:
“Create goals, and work out with people who are fitter than you. And remember, that feeling you get after accomplishing a workout goes a long way.”
Elissa Marshall from Breathe and Be with Gesticulate
To find what’s right for you:
“You don't know what you don't know! Try different workouts, but instead of judging whether you're ‘good’ or ‘bad’ at it, just try to notice if you're having fun or not! If you're feeling engaged with what you're doing, it's probably a good workout for you.”
To get back (or stay) on track:
“Get social with it! If you're facing the task of working out all on your own, you're less likely to form a consistent habit. If you share your workout with friends on social media or IRL, you'll create a community of motivation which will benefit you and the people around you.”
To stay motivated:
“I always ask myself, how does taking care of myself lend itself to helping others? Remind yourself that staying fit, healthy, and happy isn't selfish, it's about being your best self so that you can be present and supportive to those around you.”
Janeil Mason from Fit and Lit
To find what’s right for you:
“Try finding a workout based on an instructor you vibe with, or one that has a great playlist. You’re more likely to stick to something you relate to and enjoy.”
To get back (or stay) on track:
“Some movement is better than no movement! Even if you only get 5 minutes in, that’s 5 minutes more than you were doing before. After getting in the habit of setting aside small amounts of time, you’ll gradually want to increase because you’ll start to feel better and want to do more.”
To stay motivated:
“I like taking a holistic approach to wellness. I take pride in staying well hydrated, getting enough sleep, and eating foods that are good for my body. When I’m doing well in those areas I perform better and I feel more motivated to move my body! #winwin”
