How To Start Working Out?

A question that I get often is how to start working out.  

The short answer is… well, just start.  

But there’s a lot more to it when you have chronic pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety and other mental ailments. It’s just not that simple.  

Working out is one of the best things that I have ever chosen to do for my mind and body. Yes, I’m still plus sized (hello, I love pizza). You probably wouldn’t look at me and think that I workout on an almost daily basis. While having a six pack would be lovely, I don’t workout for aesthetic reasons, but for mental and to keep my fibromyalgia in check.  

Perhaps for unhealthy reasons, one of the things that initially kept me going was having more control. When you have uncontrollable chronic pain, you can feel lost. Hopeless. If I was working out, I felt that I gained some control over my pain. And now, 7 years into my workout journey, I am so in tuned with my body that I can tell if I’m going to push myself too hard or if I can push a little bit harder, 99% of the time.  

So… how did I start? My journey started from a point of desperation. I was so depressed and overweight that I didn’t know where to turn to or what to do. I found an online program that wasn’t going to break the bank and consisted of a Pilates and yoga fusion. Now I know that I can’t stand yoga, but back then, it was a gentle way for me to ease in. My body would flare and then I would have to wait a few days before I got back at it. But that determination, that grit, it was there. I was ready.  

I think that’s a big part of it. You have to be ready – mentally. A lot of times, we fall off the wagon (as it were) because we’re just not quite ready mentally. I started reading some light mental health books which helped and I also found an accountability group that helped. Now I use Facebook and Instagram for accountability and those simple posts and the positive feedback that I get from them, both publicly and privately, really help me keep pushing forward.  

There are a few things that I suggest that will help you have success. The first one being – find something that you actually enjoy. Maybe it’s walking around the block with a friend, a podcast or your favorite music. Maybe it is a yoga class. Perhaps it’s swimming or running. Boxing. Dance. Lifting weights. If you need to start on a budget, walking is one of the cheapest things you can do. But you can also find a lot of useful materials with simple YouTube searches. If you reach out to your local YMCA, they often have discounts and are willing to help people with financial restraints as well. You have a lot of options. For me, it’s Beachbody on Demand (the original ‘Netflix of working out’), using the gym and pool in my building and exploring my city.  

Once you find something that you love, and it might take a while (but that’s okay!), set yourself a goal. Don’t start too big. Maybe it’s 2-3 walks a week. 2 walks a week and one online yoga class. Perhaps it’s 1 km a day. (Strava is a free app that will track your distance). It’s your life and your choice. One structure won’t fit everyone. You need to find what works for you.  

Accountability really helped me. There are a lot of various groups on Facebook that can help you stay accountable. Or maybe it’s just a few close friends that you reach out to. Maybe, if you’re more of a private person, it’s journaling or putting it on your ‘to do’ list so that you can cross it off.  

It’s hard, but we need to try to let go of what people think. I know a few people who are afraid to go to the gym because they are afraid that people are going to judge them or that they are going to be doing the moves with poor technique. The only way to learn is to do, in this case. If you are really stuck in your head – you can watch YouTube videos on the proper form for certain moves (trust me, they’re out there) and try to simulate. If you have the means, you can hire a coach. You can ask a friend who often goes to the gym – they’ll know a little bit more. But honestly, if you really cannot get out of your head about it, it might be best to talk with a therapist or focus on at home workouts. Listen to your body. It knows. And you’ll know. TRUST YOURSELF.  

Give yourself grace. It’s one of the hardest things to do, but one of the most important. And within that, remember that motivation won’t last but dedication will. There are going to be days when you have a walk or workout planned and you just don’t feel like doing it. Your body will feel up to it, but mentally you won’t. We work our mental strength just like we work our physical. The more you push through to get the work done on days when you’re not feeling it, the more capable you will be in the future. AGAIN – it is important within this to remember to offer yourself grace. Do not push yourself into a place of mental strain or strife. At least, try not to. But do think about pushing yourself a little bit to help your body. Help manage your fibro. And to help build your mental strength.  

But again, how do you start? Lace up and get out there. You are the only one standing in your way. And trust me, if I can do it, so can you.  

(If you’d like to check out Beachbody on Demand, feel free to message me. Though I don’t really do that much officially ‘coaching’ through Beachbody anymore, I still love the products and can answer questions and get you started if that’s the route you choose to take)