Starting your active journey can feel like stepping into the unknown, but with the Move U Crew by your side, you’re in good company! From beginner-friendly tips to essential do’s and don’ts, our crew members share their insights to help you navigate the world of physical activity with confidence. Whether you’re new to fitness or looking to revitalize your routine, let’s dive in and discover how to kickstart your journey towards a healthier, happier you!
Abishek (He, Him)
Photo by Tiffany Li
Tip: Incorporate music into your workouts as a source of motivation and enjoyment. One thing that really amps up my workouts is cranking up some tunes. I find that the right music not only boosts my energy but also helps me get into the zone. Find songs that uplift your mood and energize you, creating a personalized playlist that enhances your exercise experience.
Do: Start gradually and listen to your body. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can lead to burnout or injury. Begin with manageable activities and gradually increase intensity or duration as your fitness improves. Embrace your progress and celebrate each milestone along your journey.
Don’t: Compare yourself to others. I know it’s easier said than done but everyone’s fitness journey is unique, and progress varies from person to person. Focus on your own goals, progress, and achievements rather than comparing yourself to others. Recognize that every step you take towards your fitness goals is an achievement worth celebrating.
Bindu (She, Her)
Tip: Open up your horizons with physical activity! A routine is a great way to keep us consistent in our movement journey but it can get boring at times. But I find it baffling that there are so many ways to get our bodies moving from kickboxing to yoga to badminton (which I’ve definitely tried and enjoyed a lot)! So really just immersing yourself in the tremendous variety of moving is the way to go!
Do: Try to understand why physical activity is important for you! This helps encompass your journey into a holistic one where moving your body helps enrich your physical, mental, emotional and even social wellbeing! Personally, physical activity is a way for me to get to know myself better and what my body is capable of doing while improving my quality of life.
Don’t: Forget to fuel your body with FOOD! Exercise and nutrition go hand in hand when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle. Fuel your body with nutritious foods that provide the energy and nutrients needed for physical activity. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all but I encourage you to reframe your mindset in a way that guides you in a positive direction!
Chelsea (She, Her)
Photo by Macy Yap
Tip: Find a form of activity that you genuinely enjoy! When I started exercising, I tried copying what people around me were doing, like running. It was only once I accepted that running wasn’t for me, but rather other forms of movement, such as boxing and weightlifting, that made me look forward to moving!
Do: Make movement social! I invite all my friends to fitness classes I go to off campus, especially since studios tend to offer the first visit free for first timers.
Don’t: Be hard on yourself for not moving all the time. Life can get in the way and starting a new commitment is scary for anyone. Be kind to yourself as you navigate a new relationship with your body and movement!
Farrah (She, Her)
Photo by Tiffany Li
Tip: Start slow and create realistic goals for yourself. It is easy to say that you will exercise every day, and a lot harder to follow through with something so intense. When you are just starting a fitness program or exercise routine, setting realistic but challenging goals is going to motivate you in the best way!
Do: Show yourself some grace! We all have those days where we find it harder to follow through with exercise goals and schoolwork and life get in the way. You always need rest days and some time to breathe and unwind. Allow yourself to go through your fitness journey at your own pace.
Don’t: Never skip warming up and cooling down. It is so important to ease into exercising whether you are playing a sport, running, or weightlifting. Spend a few minutes raising your heart rate and energizing your body! Always end off with stretches and a cool down to reduce the soreness you feel the following day.
Isabel (She, Her)
Tip: Find someone or a group of people to get moving with! I have found that I am most consistent with getting active when I join sports teams or have workout buddies. For me, the social aspect of physical activity is almost as important as actually moving!
Do: Try different forms of physical activity to see what you like. Consider trying out both indoor and outdoor workouts, individual and group settings, as well as sports and more relaxed activities. The best activities are the ones you enjoy doing!
Don’t: Hyper-focus on the visible physical changes that accompany activity. It can be demoralizing if you are working out just for the sake of seeing physical changes and they are slow to come. Try focusing on how moving makes you feel! I can’t speak for everyone, but when I stopped focusing on how exercise could change my body and instead on the mental health benefits and getting better at the activities I was doing, I started to have a much healthier and more sustainable relationship with movement.
Puti (She, Her)
Tip: Start by making a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. Whether it’s scheduling your workouts in advance or setting specific targets for your physical activity, having a plan in place can help you stay organized and motivated. Remember to start small and focus on progress rather than perfection. Celebrate every tiny effort and milestone you achieve along the way – each step forward is a victory worth celebrating!
Do: Check out the Move U Crew program and events. There’s a wide variety of activities available, from group fitness classes to outdoor activities. Exploring different options can help you discover what activities you enjoy most and what fits best into your routine. Plus, participating in group activities can provide motivation, support, and a sense of community.
Don’t: Overlook the importance of rest and recovery. While it’s essential to stay active and motivated, it’s equally important to give your body time to rest and recover between workouts. Listen to your body and prioritize adequate rest and recovery to optimize your performance and prevent injury.
Ray (She, Her)
Tip: Find a type of movement you truly enjoy! It might mean trying a bunch of new things at first, but eventually, you may find something that you look forward to doing. Some ideas include going to group classes like yoga or Pilates, joining an intramurals team, doing workout videos online, outdoor activities, etc. All movement is valuable!
Do: Reflect on your ‘inner critic’ and practice self-compassion. It’s as simple as saying encouraging things to yourself just as you would to a friend. Starting your movement journey can feel intimidating and overwhelming, and that’s totally normal! But try to stay positive and give yourself grace throughout the process!
Don’t: Forget your water bottle – trust me, I’ve been there. It sounds silly, but show up to your workouts prepared! Having the equipment you need (water, music, maybe a good pair of shoes or Pilates socks, or whatever else you need) will make the experience more comfortable/doable.
Sam (She, Her)
Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things! Finding different ways to move your body can keep it fresh and exciting. You may also find a new form of exercise that you enjoy which makes moving so much more fun and enjoyable.
Do: Give yourself grace. Be kind to yourself, encourage yourself, and keep your inner narrative positive. Talk to yourself as if you were talking to a friend. It can be easy to focus on the negative or get down on yourself when trying something new but you should be proud of stepping out of your comfort zone!
Don’t: Get caught up in being perfect. Making new habits and learning new skills take time. Choose to focus on your achievements even if they seem small, over time, they will amount to big impacts on your overall well-being.
Feeling inspired? Keep these tips close as you embark on your active journey. Remember, every small step counts towards a healthier, happier you. If you would like to talk to a Move U Crew member about your movement goals one-on-one, feel free to book a free peer physical activity coaching session! Stay motivated, stay moving, and never forget: you’ve got this!