8 Do's and Don'ts to Consider When Starting Your Fitness Journey

New fitness & nutrition routines are hard to get into, and if you’re a fitness newbie, or jumping back into it after a hiatus, it can be pretty overwhelming. Last year around 80% of people in the US failed to keep their New Year’s Resolutions, BUT that was before us!

If you're ready to make a lifestyle change... you’ve already completed the first step - WOOHOO! You’re here, and you’re ready to make a difference in your life, we can definitely relate. 

We've got your back every step of the way and compiled our top DO’s & DON’Ts to get you started. Now you have no excuses babe, it’s time to get started, and CRUSH those New Year fitness & nutrition resolutions!

1. DO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY:

Starting this journey will require you to listen to what your mind & body is trying to tell you. Half of the fitness battle is changing your mindset, and focusing on how exercising makes you feel, not just how it makes you look.Exercising is not only good for your body, but for your brain as well. You want to get sweating because it makes you FEEL good, not because you want to burn off yesterday’s unhealthy snacks. Regular exercise can help combat health conditions, improve your mood & energy, promote better sleep, keep your heart healthy, and your mind clear.

2. DON’T SET UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS:

When starting (or restarting) your fitness journey, set realistic goals & expectations. It’s okay to be a beginner, everyone has to start somewhere - as long as your expectations match. When making a lifestyle CHANGE, you will have moments of difficulties- like missed workouts, or cheat days. Don’t sweat the small stuff. When you recognize that balance is important and set realistic expectations, you can power through and keep crushing your goals!

3. DO PAY ATTENTION TO FORM:

What’s worse than not working out? A sloppy workout! Bad form leads to injuries and soreness. You’re more likely to see positive changes in your body when you focus on timing, control & form. Don’t let your drive to hit your goals impact the quality of your workouts. Remember: it’s better to do 10 static lunges with perfect form, than 10 walking lunges that are shallow, and aren’t engaging your primary muscles.

4. DON’T WAIT FOR MOTIVATION OR THE RIGHT TIME:

Guess what babe, timing ISN’T everything! On average, it takes about 2 months to form a new habit. Habits are created by motivation, and it won’t come without some work on your part. You have to do it, and you have to be consistent. Stash a workout ‘go bag’ in your car, or at work. With Flat Tummy App you can workout anywhere, anytime- AND you don’t need any equipment, so we’ve made it super simple for you!

5. DO STRETCH IT OUT:

Alllllways stretch it out after a workout. Full body stretching or flexibility exercises will only take up about 5-10 minutes of your time. When done correctly, stretching can help prevent injury, reduce any after-workout soreness, and will also allow you to maintain or increase your full range of movement. 

6. DON’T TRY TO LOSE WEIGHT TOO QUICKLY:

When it comes to getting fit, everyone’s different. Whether you measure your goals based on a number on a scale, or how you feel in your own skin, make sure your weight goals are healthy, and realistic. Don’t expect to shed 30lbs overnight or you'll be setting yourself up for disappointment. Our recommendation? Don't obsess over losing weight, instead concentrate on getting fitter, stronger and healthier!

7. DO PARTNER UP AND HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE:

Fitness funk is a real thing, and if you’re not careful, you can catch it. Avoid it by partnering up with your bestie, and holding each other accountable! One of the main reasons people have cited for abandoning their fitness goals is lack of support. Grab your bestie and smash a workout together, or join an online community- of similar women, like the Flat Tummy App Babe Nation Forum. Behind every successful woman is a tribe of successful women who got her back!

8. DON’T FORGET ABOUT NUTRITION:

Nourishing your body properly is super important, ESPECIALLY if you’re adding a fitness aspect to your lifestyle change... that's where we come in. Our Flat Tummy Fitness & Nutrition App comes with 4 different customizable meal plans (Keto, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Standard) that are personalized to fit your fitness goals. We did all the hard work and research so that you don’t have to! Don’t forget, it’s 80% diet, and 20% exercise!

Ready to make a lifestyle change? We are 100% here to help! Flat Tummy App makes starting (or returning) to your fitness & nutrition goals simple. No one said getting results will be easy, but you’ve got a community of 2.5 million women who got your back, and are ready to help you succeed!