Hey everyone! Today, while I’m stretching a bit (don’t worry, I won’t go into the details)
I want to share some important lessons I wish I knew when I first started working out. I’ve been working out for quite some time, and I learned a lot the hard way – so hopefully, you can avoid some of the mistakes I made.
Also, just a heads up, I have a little cold, so if I sound a bit off, that’s why bear with me!
What You’ll Learn
You Need to Eat Even If You’re Not Working Out
This may sound obvious, but I didn’t get it at first. I thought, “Hey, I’m not super active anymore, maybe I don’t need food.” That’s wrong. Your body needs fuel just to function, to pump blood, regenerate skin, grow hair, and more.
Even if you’re sitting all day, your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) requires calories. Cutting your intake too low, like the infamous 1200-calorie diet that can actually harm your body. So, fuel yourself properly. You’re not built differently; everyone needs food!
Tip: If you’re cutting weight, never go below your BMR. Focus on nutrient-dense meals to keep your energy up and your body healthy.You Don’t Need to Change Your Workout Every Week
Consistency is key. You don’t have to constantly switch exercises to see progress. Doing similar exercises with progressive overload allows your body to adapt and grow. Radical changes every week can actually slow down your results.
Tip: Pick workouts that match your goals and stick to them for a few weeks at a time before making adjustments.
Long, Full-Body Workouts Aren’t Always Best
I used to do full-body workouts for 2–2.5 hours, six days a week. Fun? Maybe. Effective? Not always. Your body needs rest to recover and grow.
Now, I prefer a push-pull-legs split, hitting legs twice a week, but there’s no one-size-fits-all. Bro splits, push-pull, full-body pick what works for you. Don’t chase the “perfect” workout; find something sustainable and enjoyable.
Shorter Workouts Can Still Be Effective
You don’t have to spend two or three hours at the gym to see results. Many workouts can be condensed, especially if you adjust rest periods and focus on intensity.
Also, you don’t have to push yourself to exhaustion every time. Even a simple treadmill walk counts as a workout. Remember: quality beats quantity.
Tip: Listen to your body. If an hour is all you have, make it count no guilt required.Staying Too Lean Can Be Unhealthy
Maintaining an extremely low body fat for too long can take a toll on your health. For women, it can lead to missed periods, low energy, poor sleep, dull skin, and even hair loss. Men aren’t immune either extreme leanness can lead to fatigue and other health issues.
Your body needs balance. Starving yourself or obsessing over low body fat isn’t worth it.
Tip: Focus on health and strength, not just the number on the scale. Sustainable results are the ones that stick.Your Training Shapes Your Physique
How you train affects how your body looks. I like lifting heavy and hypertrophy-style workouts. When I first started, I only wanted to be skinny, but strength training changed my physique, even without perfect nutrition.
Embrace training methods that make you strong and confident. Don’t fight your body’s natural response – guide it.
Perfection Isn’t Required
You don’t need to be perfect all the time. Miss a workout? It’s okay. Eat something indulgent? No problem. Stressing over small mistakes can harm your motivation and progress.
I learned that letting go of perfection, especially when gyms were closed in 2020–2021, made me happier with my body. Sometimes, the less you obsess, the better the results.
Tip: Balance discipline with flexibility. Fitness should lift you up, not bring you down.Keep Learning, Stay Open-Minded
Even after years of working out, there’s always more to learn. Nobody has it all figured out, so don’t stress if your journey isn’t perfect. Keep experimenting, listen to your body, and most importantly, be kind to yourself.
Final Thoughts of started working out
Fitness isn’t just about workouts, calories, or appearance. It’s about learning to understand your body, fueling it correctly, enjoying your progress, and staying consistent all while being compassionate with yourself.
I hope these lessons help you avoid some of the mistakes I made. Remember, it’s a journey not a race.
Stay strong, stay healthy, and keep moving forward!