A beginner at this workout thing

[Abrita]

okay i'm not really the type to really work out. so i'm giving it a try. i never workout ever in my life. as in.. no running at the park, no sit ups, no nothing. i don't know i just never had to motiviation. i want to start now just so i can be a good shape for my own sake. what should i start with first? a light run? should i change my complete diet? HELP!

[Hailey]

I would start off with just walking. That can make a big difference by itself. And then you can gradually start running or a combo of running/walking is always good. You probably won't have to completely change your diet. Just make small changes. Try eating 4-6 small meals a day rather than 3 big meals. And try slowly cutting out junk food and replacing it with healthier foods.

[Farrah]

The biggest advice I can give when you start to work out is to go slow. The first day you work out at the gym opr when you're running, you should test yourself to see what your abilities are...so I would start with finding out what your weight max is in various exercises (Bench Press + Situps, the works), and then once you figure out what to do, you need to figure out a workout plan.

Since you said you're not in good shape and you want to be, I would say you should focus primarily on cardiovascular activity (Aerobics exercises) as well as endurance training (High reps, low weights) when it comes to the workout machines so you can tone your muscles, not make them bigger.

That'd be my recommendation

[Bella Falun]

I agree that you need to start off slow. I would also add doing some research. What is around you that you can do as far as outdoor activities. If it is three feet of snow in the winder than your going to need a new workout plan then and that isnt fun. So try finding some things you enjoy and why not grab a friend and get them into this with you?! studies show that when you have a partner your more likely to stick with it!

[Nathania Wadsworth]

Yeah I agree with everyone else to start off slow. Just start with maybe a small jog around your neighborhood and then gradually move up to running like a mile a day and then just gradually increase that. Also if you have a dog or something than you can take it running maybe it will motivate you more. If you are more of a swimming person and want to add that to your workou than you can start off with a few laps and then increase once your body is more comfortable with it.

[Ally Simmons]

Why don't you start by trying to figure out ways to motivate yourself. Instead of looking at working out as something not fun, you can just join groups or classes that are active. For example, I took up ballroom dancing. its a great work out and its so much fun that I don't even think I am working out. Also, if you can get a friend to do stuff with you, you'd have twice the reason to get started!