Kick Start Your Fitness:
7 Tips for Women Ready to Lose Belly Fat, Gain Strength, and Feel More Energized
Once you have made the decision to start your journey to lose belly fat, gain strength, boost your confidence, and feel more energized, it is time to start training.
I am Tasha, your certified personal trainer, nutritionist, and corrective exercise specialist. Here, I will share seven essential tips to help you kick start your health and fitness journey by fitting exercise into your busy schedule and making it a sustainable part of your lifestyle.
The tips are based on frequent questions I have received from clients just like you.
Just a heads-up: I use the word “training” often in reference to exercise or working out. I find that “training” carries a more positive connotation, making it feel less daunting.
Alright, let’s jump in!
The first thing is to ask yourself this question:
How often can I realistically devote time to training?
For beginners, I recommend starting with just 2–3 days per week. That might not sound like a lot, and you may be thinking, “I am super ready; I want to exercise 7 days a week!” While that might work well for the first couple of weeks, life happens. You may become busy or notice things are falling through the cracks at home, which can lead to missed workouts, resentment towards exercise, burnout, or, ultimately, giving up altogether. I am not saying you cannot exercise more than 2 or 3 days per week but committing to a minimum of 2–3 days at the beginning will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to stay consistent each week.
Create a realistic schedule and mark it on your calendar:
Treat your training sessions as you would any other appointment. If an emergency arises and overlaps with your exercise time, reschedule your training for another day that week. Do whatever it takes to honor your training commitments.
Invest in the right attire for your training routine:
Clothing should fit comfortably and allow for freedom of movement. Opt for breathable fabrics that won’t weigh you down as you sweat. Avoid heavy cotton tees and sweatpants, as they tend to absorb moisture.
Your shoes should be dedicated “gym shoes”. Make sure they are comfortable and wear them around the house a few times before hitting the gym. If you plan to do a lot of walking or running, choose shoes with good support and cushioning. For weight training, look for shoes that provide stability with less cushioning. Some weight training shoes are flatter and may have minimal cushioning.
How long should you train for?
There is no straight forward answer. Several factors come into play, but the most important thing is how much time you can realistically set aside for training. Remember, this is a long-term commitment, not just a 2-3 week challenge. Aim to “find” 30 minutes to 1 hour in your schedule to dedicate to training. Right now, 30 minutes is better than 0 minutes!
Be prepared: Know what you’re going to do before you start your workout:
Consider hiring a personal trainer who can design a routine tailored to your goals. There are also plenty of exercise ideas available on YouTube and in fitness blogs. Just make sure you’re following someone who is certified in fitness training. Many social media “influencers” may not have the necessary certifications or training in human anatomy and functional movement, which can lead to injuries.
This leads me to my next point: Form is crucial!
Proper form is especially important when you’re first starting out. Make sure you understand the exercises you will perform and know which muscles you should be engaging. Performing each exercise correctly will help prevent injuries and maximize your results.
Lastly: Discover the Power of Accountability!
Having a dedicated partner in your fitness journey is invaluable—someone who truly understands your goals and is committed to your success. With the right support, you can shed stubborn belly fat, build strength, boost your confidence, and feel more energized than ever.
Consider hiring me as your personal trainer. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that not only inspires you but also keeps you accountable every step of the way.
If hiring a personal trainer isn’t within your budget, consider finding a training buddy. This doesn’t have to be someone you work out with physically. It could simply be someone you message regularly. Sharing updates like, “I just finished my training for the day” or “I’m on my way to train” can significantly boost your accountability. Your workout buddy should be someone who won’t accept excuses for missing a workout but will motivate you to push through.
Despite what large fitness companies advertise, there are no quick fixes, no one-size-fits-all programs that work, and especially no magic pill that will melt away body fat. To create a healthier, stronger, more energized, and confident version of yourself, you need to put in the work. It will take time, so please don’t get discouraged and give up before you start seeing and feeling the results of your hard work.
Celebrate small victories along the way, such as hitting a new personal record (PR) in the gym or losing half an inch around your waist.
Let’s transform your health and ignite that inner fire!
You’ve got this!
**Need help getting motivated or unsure what your workouts should be, I can help you come up with a solid plan to reach your goals. I’m a certified personal trainer dedicated to helping women 45-55+ who are ready to lose belly fat, gain strength, ignite confidence and feel more energized. I have branched out to online customized personal training, so I can help more women reach their full potential.