Staying physically active is one of the most significant contributions to staying in good physical shape and living an overall healthy lifestyle.
Especially so in perimenopause when women should be looking to keep, conserve and put on as much beautifully strong and healthy lean muscle mass as possible.
Starting an exercise plan can be one of the most difficult things you ever have to do if you feel like it's a daunting prospect.
I get it!
You don't know what to do, where to start, what you'll need, how much to do, how long a workout should be...
The good news is that once you do it, you will feel so much better about yourself that you will see and feel how worth it is is.
It's true that the hardest part is starting!
Because once you start and you feel those results starting to happen you'll really start to feel motivated to continue and make it a lifestyle habit.
However, there are some things you should consider when starting an exercise program.
You should start by determining why you want to start an exercise program.
1. You may simply need to lose a few pounds, you may need to lose a lot of weight, you might want to tone your muscles, or you might have some health issues that are driving you to exercise.
2. You may want to just feel better.
Exercise can help with these no matter what your motivation is.
However, it is best practice to know why you are starting the program, so you can make sure your specific exercise program fits your needs and helps you meet your health goals.
Next, you will need to decide where you will exercise.
HOME:
You can purchase some simple staples and get a set of dumbbells to exercise in the privacy and comfort of your own home.
If you're a beginner you could use your own bodyweight or soup cans to get started!
As you get stronger and more confident you'll want to increase the weights.
GYM/TRAINER:
Another idea is that you can join a co-ed gym, a gym just for women only or even hire a personal trainer.
OUTSIDE:
You can use the terrain, park benches, playgrounds and even stairs to help you workout and get fit.
Then, you will also need to take your eating habits into consideration.
If you are going to start an exercise plan that will be working to improve your body and health, then it makes sense that you would also make some dietary changes in your life.
Not to mention the importance of eating ENOUGH (often of protein!) in perimenopause shouldn't be understated.
Starting an exercise plan is also a great time to adjust your diet and eat healthier.
When changed together, exercise and diet can improve your health and make you feel great, too.
One other tip for starting an exercise program is to do it with others. Finding the motivation to do it by yourself can be challenging, especially if you know yourself enough to know that you require the accountability.
So you could recruit a few friends to join you. You can provide motivation for each other and cheer each other along.
Having your friends beside can make the plan easier to handle because you won't feel so alone in your efforts.
I have been creating custom fitness programs for hundreds of women for 30+ years and would be happy to make you one too, if you're interested!
View the Custom Online Fitness Plan.
Maybe you want the simplicity of having recipes and pre-made meal plans ready for you every single day? If so a great way to start a healthy eating plan is with our Meal Plan Club.
Super simple, super easy to make but LOADED with nutritionally dense foods emailed to you every single month (literally, every 30 days). And you can sign up anytime for The Meal Club membership.