You’ve done your research, you’ve found a gym you think you'll like, you’ve maybe even gone shopping for athletic wear - but for some reason, you just can’t seem to get started.

If this sounds familiar, don’t beat yourself up. This happens to a lot of people.

Like anything in life, beginning a new fitness routine can be intimidating, and the response to that kind of situation can often be procrastination.

Maybe you’ll start next week after that big meeting is out of the way. Maybe you have to travel soon, and don’t want your routine disrupted.

Trust us…there are a million reasons you can come up with to not make today the day you begin. What we’re interested in is the one reason you will.

So, let’s talk about what will help you to actually get started.

Some people feel like the beginning of a fitness routine should be a big, planned event, but that’s not true at all.

You could open your front door right now and begin making that positive change with nothing more than some comfortable clothes and shoes on.

Think about how you might like to be active. How about walking?

Find a trail or a park nearby and just stroll. Take in the scenery and bring your camera. Enjoy what's around you when you’re exercising, that’s one of the best perks!

Or perhaps you’d like to increase your endurance with running. You can begin with slow jog/walk intervals and build up your strength and stamina over the weeks as you go.

If you can’t run a mile right now, that’s fine! Many people can’t. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good, and don’t let a fear of not being skilled “enough” prevent you from even trying.

And if you can't get outside because of the weather, maybe finding a class at the gym or online could be a good way to start for you.

The best way to make sure your training routine has a start date is to give it an end date. Well, okay, not an end date to be exact, but a milestone.

If you do a quick search online right now, you’ll find dozens of athletic events happening around you.

5ks, 1-mile fun runs, hikes, or even walking groups.

Choose a date that gives you enough breathing room to get up to speed with your training and book it.

Why?

Because when you have a set event to strive for, you’ll be able to dial in your training so much more.

As your date approaches, you’ll have time to test out your abilities each week as you practice, and if you need to step things up, you’ll be able to make those changes.

Better yet, sign up with a friend! When a group of you are all striving towards the same goal together, great things can happen.

You can support one another in your journeys, celebrate progress, and work through setbacks together.

Here’s a big secret to maintaining your momentum: don’t give yourself the excuse to walk away from your fitness routine and never come back.

Do you need to be running races every weekend? No, and in fact, that’s not always a healthy approach. But could you schedule yourself for one or two events each season? You bet!

And if running is not your thing, then just come up with a milestone that fits what you love to do. This could mean getting ready for ski season, improving your golf game, signing up for a triathlon, or preparing for a vacation.

When you have things to look forward to, it gives you that push you need to keep going.

So start by thinking about what you will be doing this year, or would like to do this year, and then start training for it!

Now once you have your milestone in place, you may not be 100% sure of how to train for it. That's where we can help.

We have helped thousands of people with all types of goals, from losing weight to fit into their clothing better, to being strong for their grandchildren, to hiking mount kilimanjaro, to getting back on the slopes after 10 years of knee issues.

You set the target, we help you get there. And right now, you can get in on our 28-Day New Years Program where you will get a customized strength training program, diet, and coaching to help you reach those goals. .

In this program you will get:

• Full fitness and goals assessment
• Personalized fitness coaching to teach you the exact exercises you need to safely and effectively move better and build stamina
• A simple meal plan to help you improve your health
• 1-on-1 success coaching to help guide you as you work to change your diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits

You can get back into shape and reach that milestone you set for yourself, you just need a program that can guide you on the path to get there.

Click here to learn more and take control of your health and fitness today!

Mint Condition Fitness empowers people to take control of their fitness and fully enjoy the life they have built.