The Hilarious Hangups of Starting Something New

Starting something new is exciting! It's like a shiny new toy, all wrapped up and promising adventure. But let's be real, the reality of starting something new can be a comedy of errors. The all too familiar failure of the ‘new year, new me’ fitness routine being the most common. 

Where do you even begin? With so much information available, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But don't worry, starting small and focusing on consistency is key. This guide will make you chuckle and help you navigate the initial steps and build a sustainable fitness foundation.

The Overly Ambitious Start: You begin with a burst of enthusiasm, envisioning yourself as a seasoned pro. You'll be running a marathon in a month, learning French in a week, and mastering the electric guitar by next Tuesday. Reality check: You can barely make it through a single mile without wheezing, your attempts at French sound more like a dying cat, and your guitar strings are more likely to snap than produce a melodious sound.

The "Analysis Paralysis" Trap: You spend hours researching, reading articles, and watching YouTube tutorials. You become an expert on the theory of your chosen endeavor, but never actually do anything. You're so busy analyzing the optimal running shoes, the best French learning app, and the most ergonomic guitar picks that you never actually put on your shoes, download the app, or even touch the guitar.

The "Shiny Object Syndrome" Strikes: You're all in, dedicated to your new pursuit. Then, BAM! A new, even shinier object catches your eye. "Oh, look," you think, "maybe I should learn to juggle flaming torches instead." Your original goal fades into the background as you chase the next fleeting fancy.

The "Imposter Syndrome" Creeps In: You compare yourself to others who seem to be effortlessly excelling at your chosen endeavor. You berate yourself for your lack of progress, feeling like a complete fraud. You're convinced everyone else is a natural, while you're just a hopeless mess.

The "Life Happens" Interruptions: You're on a roll, finally making progress. Then, life throws you a curveball. A sick child, a demanding boss, a burst water pipe – suddenly, your carefully crafted routine is thrown into chaos. You feel defeated and wonder if it's even worth trying anymore.

But Don't Give Up!

Despite the inevitable hurdles, the journey of starting something new can be incredibly rewarding. Remember to:

• Start small and be patient with yourself.

• Focus on progress, not perfection.

• Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself.

• Celebrate small victories.

• And most importantly, have fun!

Starting Your Fitness Journey

1. Set Realistic Goals

• Start Small: Don't aim for a marathon on day one. Begin with achievable goals like walking for 15 minutes daily or attending two fitness classes per week.

• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrate small victories and don't get discouraged by occasional setbacks.

• Make it Specific: Instead of "get in shape," aim for "walk for 30 minutes, three times a week" or "complete a beginner yoga class twice a week."

2. Find Activities You Enjoy

• Explore Different Options: Try various activities like dancing, swimming, hiking, cycling, or team sports.

• Consider Your Interests: Choose activities that align with your hobbies or passions.

• Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Keep trying new things until you find something you genuinely enjoy.

3. Create a Schedule and Stick to It

• Consistency is Key: Schedule your workouts into your calendar as you would any other important appointment.

• Be Flexible: Life happens. If you miss a workout, don't let it derail your entire plan. Simply get back on track the next day.

• Find an Accountability Partner: Working out with a friend or joining a fitness group can provide motivation and support.

4. Listen to Your Body

• Warm-up and Cool-down: Always include a warm-up before your workout and a cool-down afterward.

• Rest and Recovery: Allow for adequate rest days to prevent injury and allow your body to recover.

• Don't Push Yourself Too Hard: Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.

5. Make it a Habit

• Reward Yourself: Celebrate your accomplishments, both big and small.

• Find Ways to Stay Motivated: Create a playlist of your favorite workout songs, download a fitness app, or read inspiring fitness stories.

• Focus on the Benefits: Remember why you started this journey. How does exercise make you feel?

6. Seek Professional Guidance

• Consult a Physical Therapist: A Physical Therapist can help you create a personalized treatment plan and provide one-on-one guidance and support.

• Consider a Fitness Class: Group fitness classes can be a fun and motivating way to get started. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. The goal is longevity not the Olympics!

A Physical Therapist can become your ultimate teammate (Shameless plug)

1. Injury Prevention:

Years of wear and tear leave their mark, making you more susceptible to overuse injuries. Your PT conducts a thorough movement analysis, pinpointing weaknesses and imbalances that could lead to trouble. They then design personalized exercise programs to strengthen key muscle groups, improve flexibility, and enhance neuromuscular control, reducing your risk of injury and keeping you on the field.

2. Pain Management:

Nagging pain, whether from past injuries or age-related wear and tear, can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment of the sport. Your PT utilizes various techniques like manual therapy and electrical stimulation to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore function. They also educate you on self-management strategies to keep pain at bay.

3. Strength and Conditioning for the Aging Athlete:

As we age, muscle mass and strength naturally decline. But fear not! Your PT designs targeted strength training programs specifically tailored to your sport and body. These programs focus on functional movements, building strength, power, and endurance for optimal performance without putting undue stress on your joints.

4. Balance and Fall Prevention:

Balance becomes increasingly important with age, especially for activities with quick changes of direction or uneven terrain. Your PT assesses your balance and designs targeted exercises to improve stability, coordination, and proprioception (your body's awareness of its position in space). This reduces your risk of falls, keeping you safe and confident in your movements.

5. Return to Sport Optimization:

Whether you're recovering from an injury or simply taking a break, returning to your sport requires careful planning. Your PT creates a structured program that gradually progresses you back to peak performance, minimizing the risk of reinjury and ensuring a smooth and successful transition.

6. Education and Empowerment:

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your body. Your PT educates you on proper body mechanics, injury prevention strategies, and self-care techniques. This empowers you to take an active role in your physical well-being, extending your athletic journey.

The mental edge of partnering with a PT

The benefits of PT extend far beyond the physical. Working with a skilled professional can boost your confidence,motivation, and overall well-being. They become your cheerleader, celebrating your progress and providing personalized support to overcome challenges. This mental edge is crucial for staying motivated and committed to your athletic goals.

Remember, starting a new exercise routine is a journey, not a race. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Remember that consistency is key to long-term success. Embrace the challenges, laugh at the failures, and enjoy the ride. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself.