How do I start working out if I’m a beginner?

Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s

my advice for beginners or those returning after a long break.

Start with Walking – Walking is one of the easiest ways to ease into fitness, and it’s incredibly effective. In my 'Unlock 10K' program, I encourage people to start with a goal of reaching 10,000 steps a day. You don’t have to hit 10K right away – start where you are. Even 3,000 or 5,000 steps are great for getting into the habit of daily movement. Walking is a fantastic low-intensity activity that keeps you moving without feeling too intense.

Focus on NEAT – NEAT stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, which is just a fancy way of saying “all the little movements we do throughout the day.” This includes things like standing instead of sitting, taking the stairs, or just doing household chores. These small activities might not feel like exercise, but they help burn calories and improve health over time.

Add Light Strength Training Slowly – Once you’re comfortable with walking and daily movement, add in some light strength training. Start with bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, or even just standing up from a chair. Keep it simple and easy, aiming for 10-15 minutes. This will build up your strength without overwhelming you.

Listen to Your Body – Don’t push yourself too hard in the beginning. Your muscles, joints, and mind all need time to adjust. Take rest days, and remember that it’s okay to start slow – consistency matters more than intensity at this stage.

Build a Routine – Try to do these activities three days a week. Gradually, as your body gets used to it, you can increase the intensity or add new exercises. But for now, focus on making fitness a regular part of your life.

In short, start with small daily goals like walking more, move as much as possible throughout the day, and add strength exercises over time. This approach builds up your fitness gradually and keeps you motivated. Enjoy the journey – the results will come!