Ann Claiborne shares 5 tips to kick-start your fitness journey today

While watching others going down their fitness journeys can be motivating, the reality of following through on one of your own can be extremely challenging. Most people taking this path the first time make the mistake of expecting immediate results. Others, unfortunately, don’t understand the importance of customizing fitness routines according to their personal needs—treating them as a one-size-fits-all. Consequently, they are bound to be disheartened when their unrealistic goals are not met. For such enthusiasts entering the realm of fitness with the right motivation but the wrong methods, fitness expert Ann Claiborne shares her top tips to help you succeed.

For many people, the very idea of beginning a “fitness adventure” can be frightening! All of a sudden, the image of the gym returns to your head. You are aware of your fear of exposing your unpolished body while exercising, and you must be afraid of the initial physical pain that will appear once you begin your fitness journey. Then there is also the fear of the financial toll it might take. All good things cost money, of course, but the path to health would undoubtedly be worth it with the appropriate guidance and consistent hard effort.

According to the fitness guru, one needs to establish a balance of a nutrition-filled diet with their workout routines and then follow what they bind themselves to, to the Tee. Expanding on this thought, she shared, “Nutrition is 80% of the fitness and health battle that must be accomplished through daily discipline.”  Then, to really drive home the point about consistency, she added, “Motivation weans off, so I focus on habits and discipline. Systems = success. It’s 90% discipline and 10% motivation.”

In light of the same personal mantra, and her experience as a nutritionist and a trainer, she shared the following tips for anyone starting out on their personal fitness journey.

1. Start small and set achievable goals

Write down specific and achievable goals to keep yourself motivated and on track. Avoid overwhelming yourself by setting too many goals at once or ones that may be unrealistic. Begin with smaller, manageable tasks and build from there. Don’t try to jump into intense workouts right away; ease into them and gradually increase intensity and duration.

2. Find a form of exercise you enjoy

Whether running, weight lifting, yoga, or something else entirely, make sure to choose a form of exercise that you enjoy and will be more likely to stick with. Try to mix up your routine. Don’t limit yourself to just one type of workout; mix it up and keep your body guessing to prevent plateauing. Don’t be afraid to switch things up. Mixing up your routine keeps things interesting and prevents burnout.

3. Surround yourself with a supportive community

Find a workout buddy, a trainer, an online community, or join a gym. Having a support system can help hold you accountable and make exercise more enjoyable, and it can make all the difference in sticking to your fitness goals. Whether it be friends, family, or online support groups, having a strong support system can make all the difference in staying motivated and on track.

4. Plan ahead

Meal prepping and scheduling workouts can make it easier to stick to your fitness plan and avoid making unhealthy choices. Don’t forget about your nutrition. Fueling your body with the proper nutrients is just as important as exercise for overall health and fitness. Incorporate whole, unprocessed foods and stay hydrated for optimum results.

5. Don’t be too hard on yourself

It’s important to remember that progress takes time, and there will be setbacks. Stay positive and keep pushing forward. Along with that keeping a journal or using a fitness app can help you stay on track and see improvement over time. Moreover, don’t compare yourself to others; focus on YOUR progress and celebrate every accomplishment, big or small. Remember, you’re on YOUR journey, and every step forward is worth celebrating.

Bonus tip: Find something you actually enjoy doing—whether it’s spin class or hiking. Choosing an activity that you genuinely enjoy will make exercise much more enjoyable and sustainable. As a general rule, remember to listen to your body and have patience. Do what feels right for you because progress takes time and consistency.