The Best Workout Strategy for Beginners

The Military.com Fitness Section has beginner workouts, articles about building healthy habits and ideas for adding fitness to a busy schedule. But what is the most important strategy for people who are relatively new to fitness to incorporate into their day? It largely depends on consistency over intensity, regardless of your goals, equipment and daily exercise time.

Consistency over Intensity: What Does This Mean?

While the details matter concerning your abilities, facilities, time per day, days per week, and primary and secondary goals, finding something to do daily is more important than engaging in physical activity that requires significant logistics and effort. Consistency wins. Check out this Free 45-Day Plan, which you can download to get started with the basics of daily activities.

First things first: Consistency is your No. 1 goal in fitness. Consistency means showing up for yourself every day, even just for a quick, 20-minute workout. That’s doable. Regular exercise, even in small doses, keeps your energy levels up, boosts your mood and helps you create a habit you can maintain long term. From my experience in developing beginner workout plans, I’ve learned that instead of committing to that daunting, hourlong session at the gym every day, it’s often more effective to focus on squeezing in short bursts of activity — such as brisk walks after meals, yoga flows in your living room or push-ups and squats every hour on the hour.

Now, let’s talk about scheduling. It’s crucial to carve out time in your calendar like you would for a coffee date or a meeting. Whether it’s early morning, lunchtime or right after work, find those pockets of time that work for you. Consistency is about making these workouts a non-negotiable part of your routine, like brushing your teeth. Starting two or three days a week and gradually increasing the frequency as you feel more comfortable can set you up for success.

Keeping things simple is essential for all of us, especially when adding something new to the schedule. Choose workouts that you enjoy. If you dislike running, don’t force yourself to run. Instead, consider walking, rucking, cycling, swimming or joining a fitness class that excites you to move. From my journey in fitness coaching, I’ve consistently seen how finding joy in your workout can significantly strengthen commitment.

A buddy system is a double-edged sword. While having a partner to work out with helps with showing up, when one group fails, it can cause the other to skip the workout. Though the buddy system can work well, you still need to get something done when life gets in the way of your partner’s best plans. You will have to rely on your discipline to get it done.

Ultimately, creating a fitness routine that sticks is all about making it fit into your life, not the other way around. The benefits are significantly improved health, increased energy, and both mental and physical improvements. These are practical strategies that I have seen work for many individuals. Adding these manageable steps allows you to develop sustainable habits that transform your well-being over time. So take that first step to get started and then the second step to begin letting consistency empower your fitness journey — every small workout counts!

Imagine transforming your busy life into a day with fitness every day. With the right mindset, you can squeeze in quick, energizing workouts that fit snugly into your packed schedule. Ready to learn how to build sustainable habits without being overwhelmed? Dive into the many articles and workout ideas at the Military Fitness Section and develop a consistent plan that works for you.

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