So since the last 2 days, I’ve been building the courage up to start doing exercises. I’m starting with weights that were just collecting dust so thought “hell why not, never too late to start getting fit”

Now I’m being realistic knowing that starting off you’re not gonna be shredded like a wrestler but I’m just tryna get leaner and fitter body wise.

Is it reasonable for absolute novices to never go to the gym for their exercise and fitness journey? I feel like would be saving some dosh even though I could be missing on some equipment they use there.

A penny for your thoughts?

  • tburkhol@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    73
    ·
    2 days ago

    For me, the effort of going somewhere to exercise is a big impediment, and I’m self-conscious exercising in front of people. The low barrier to start a daily workout wins, hands down.

    Others find camaraderie just having other people involved in the same process, or really enjoy the variety of machines and options of a well-equipped facility.

    You have to figure out which type of person you are. The most important thing is just to do something. (Unless you have specific, Jason Momoa-type goals in mind)

    • PostiveNoise@kbin.melroy.org
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      27
      ·
      2 days ago

      Unless you have specific, Jason Momoa-type goals in mind

      Lets just call it what it is. Aquaman. If you goal is become Aquaman, you should focus on largely aquatic gym tasks, such as lifting extra heavy weights deep underwater, swimming (lots) of laps, and defeating gigantic sea monsters. This is the quickest path to eventually become Aquaman (well, at least in some ways. There can be only one True Aquaman, but you can strive for it).

      • bcgm3@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        1 day ago

        Lets just call it what it is. Aquaman.

        Except, of course, when it is Khal Drogo.

    • FlashMobOfOne@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      8
      ·
      2 days ago

      For me, the effort of going somewhere to exercise is a big impediment,

      For most of my adult life I was the exact opposite: I needed somewhere to go as part of my routine. Now that my car’s been on loan to my mom and dad for a year, and I’m pretty sure I’m never getting it back, I had to get home equipment and adapt by necessity. Luckily I enjoy lifting, so it’s been less difficult to stay consistent than I expected.

    • xorollo@leminal.space
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      2 days ago

      I agree with this. For me a lot of the brain game is reducing the barriers I have to beginning.

      • I use an app so I don’t have to think about what to do (fiton, highly recommend) \
      • I plan what time I’m going to do things throughout the week, but sometimes I even ‘plan’ for flexibility. Eg. Monday Wednesday before work, Saturday and Sunday I’ll do xyz at some point before dinner.
      • I look for opportunities to blend active time with other enjoyable things (like watching a TV show while I’m on the treadmill, or listening to podcasts)
      • tburkhol@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        2 days ago

        As a long-term non-exerciser, routine and coupling it with a reward was definitely key. I started out just walking, and walking to get lunch was a key motivator. Upgraded to a rowing machine, and it doesn’t even feel like a chore to sit on the machine and watch a movie in parts or a show, going on 5 years.

        Still have to figure out how to get some strength work in there. Just can’t seem to find a system to consistently do a few push ups, pull ups, and stand ups.

        • xorollo@leminal.space
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          2 days ago

          I use Fiton for my strength training. I have never in my life been able to do a pull up, but I have learned so much about my body and my capabilities with this app. To start, I filtered by bodyweight only, but I did eventually get several sets of dumbbells over time. This one requires more focus for me, so I don’t g nearly pair it with videos or anything, but I do find it very fun when they suggest I do something that I’m sure I couldn’t do, but I try and realize I can.

          For me-- the idea of just doing a few of the same set of exercises wore out fast, so the app also has the plus side of having a LOT of variety.