Empowering Women
By Rachel Guevara
Starting a fitness journey isn’t just about joining a gym or following a trendy workout plan; it’s about making a lifestyle change for long-term health and well-being. As the owner of a women-only fitness facility in Northfield, with over 13 years in the industry, I’ve seen many women work hard to make fitness a regular part of their lives. I understand the challenges and victories involved in this journey.
Here are some key steps to help you move from occasional workouts to a steady fitness routine, ensuring you start and stick with your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
Start Small, Think Long-Term: The first step in making fitness a lifestyle change is to take it slow. Many people jump into intense workouts or strict diets and quickly burn out, going back to old habits. Instead, I suggest starting with small goals, like taking a daily walk or committing to one fitness class a week. By setting achievable milestones, you can build confidence and momentum, laying the groundwork for lasting change.
Find Your Passion: Fitness should be fun, not a chore. Explore different activities until you find something you love. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, or weightlifting, the key is to find activities that you enjoy and fit into your life. When exercise is enjoyable, it’s easier to stick with it and achieve long-term success.
Prioritize Consistency Over Intensity: Consistency is key to a successful fitness journey. Focus on being regular with your workouts, even if they are shorter or less intense. Regular effort, no matter how small, leads to better results than occasional intense workouts. By establishing a routine, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts, leading to sustainable progress.
Cultivate a Supportive Environment: Being around like-minded people can boost motivation and accountability. Join a fitness class, find a workout buddy, or connect with online groups and social media communities. A support system can encourage you during tough times and celebrate your victories.
Stay Resilient: Setbacks are a natural part of the fitness journey. Whether it’s due to lack of time, motivation, or unexpected obstacles, it’s important to approach setbacks with resilience and compassion. See setbacks as learning opportunities, not permanent barriers. By viewing them as temporary detours, you can stay focused on your long-term goals and push through adversity.
In conclusion, making fitness a lifestyle change requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace gradual progress. By starting small, finding your passions, prioritizing consistency, cultivating a supportive environment, and overcoming obstacles. With resilience, you can embark on a journey towards lasting health and wellness. Let’s empower each other to embrace the transformative power of fitness and live our best lives.
Rachel Guevara is the owner of Lift & Glitz Training Studio in Northfield, NJ. With 13 years of experience in the fitness industry, Rachel holds certifications in Personal & Group Fitness through ISSA and is a Zumba Fitness Instructor. A proud single mother of two, Rachel balances her professional and personal life with grace and determination. She earned her BA in Communications from Stockton University and resides in Northfield.
