23 Fitness tips for 2023

1. Create a short list

What do you want to achieve? It might be walking on a daily basis, improving your cardio health, or cutting down on fatty foods, as advised by a GP.

2. Budget

How much can you spend on wellness? If you are committing to a piece of home fitness equipment or small accessories, write down a ballpark figure.

3. Space

If you are hoping to start exercising at home, first work out how much space you have—and don’t forget about storage for equipment. This can impact upon any purchasing decision.

4. Medical conditions

Consider health challenges or limitations, as these will affect or, in some cases, limit what you are able to do.

5. Ask for help

If you are stuck, reach out to trusted brands or even a medical professional for advice.

6. Time

How much time are you able to commit to your wellbeing journey? Be realistic about what might be feasible for you.

7. Solo or group

Are you hoping to start your journey alone or with a loved one, friend or group? Being accountable to someone else can often be a good motivator.

8. Be kind to yourself

Don’t become overwhelmed. Go at your own pace when making decisions.

9. Research

Look into different options, reviews and what is available to suit you.

10. Warranties

Always check a productwarranty prior to purchase, to give you that extra peace of mind.

11. Assembly

If you live alone and you want to buy a bike for use at home, consider assembly and whether you feel up to a small challenge (or if you have someone to assist).

12. Go for it

Once you are clear in your mind about the preparation, go for it! You’ve done your homework and committed to a plan that can work for you.

13. Clothing

For any type of exercise, please ensure that you have suitable non-slip footwear and breathable clothing.

14. Delivery

If you have ordered something online or in-store, when it arrives, make sure everything is in the box that should be there.

15. Getting started

The planning is all done; you have your goods; now you need to get yourself mentally and practically prepared for next steps.

16. Mindset

This journey is yours and you shouldn’t be scared, even if you haven’t exercised for many years.

17. Habits

Starting slowly and building up your chosen activity or lifestyle changes should not be seen as a chore, but more as a habit that becomes part of your daily or weekly routine.

18. Warming up

We can’t stress enough how important it is to stretch or warm up before and after exercise, particularly if you have joint or mobility issues. If you don’t know how to stretch, there are lots of helpful resources online.

19. Hydration

Make sure that you have some fresh water to keep you hydrated while you are exercising and that your room is ventilated.

20. Patience

It is definitely a virtue. You won’t see results overnight but small steps and small changes will serve you right in the longer term.

21. Momentum

Keep going! Start slow, even just for five minutes a day, and build up gradually over time. If writing down or typing a little plan into your phone or tablet helps, find a path that works for you.

22. Persistence

Sometimes you won’t feel up to your new challenge, so don’t feel bad if you skip your daily walk or get tempted by a home-made chocolate brownie.

23. Pat on the back!

At the end of each month, take stock of where you are compared with how you felt when you started. Progress, not perfection, is the order of the day.

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