5 common fitness questions beginners have, answered

Getting started is never easy. Moving your body isn’t always easy. But when you do, and you learn how you feel after, things can get a little easier.

Joe and The Body Coach team often get asked questions from those just starting out on their fitness journey. We’ve answered the five most common ones.

This is a great place to start – use these answers to help you take that first step. You’ve got this.

1. “Where do I even begin?”

With one workout. Don’t focus too much on the future, just focus on today. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the end goal, and instead focus on the small daily wins you can achieve.

Could you move your body today? Could you give a YouTube workout a go? Pick one or two simple workouts, put them in your calendar, and press play.

You could try the First Steps to Fitness YouTube series – 15-minute workouts, designed for ultimate beginners.

2. ⁠”My motivation is so low, how do I get motivated?”

We all struggle with motivation at times. But don’t wait for motivation to come to you – sometimes you just have to take that first action, and the motivation comes after. Once you’re moving, the endorphins kick in and you’ll likely want to keep going.

Remind yourself how you’ll feel at the end of the workout, as that’s where the energy comes. Know that it’ll be worth it and try not to overthink it. See exercise as a way to release any stress or negative feelings in your body. Exercise can be a reward and coping mechanism, not a punishment.

You can also read our blog on 10 tips for zero motivation.

3. ⁠”I have such a busy life I don’t know how to fit it all in.”

You’re right, life can be busy for so many of us. But you don’t need to exercise for hours to make a difference. Even a few minutes can be transformative. It’s been proven that 10 minutes of exercise can do wonders for your health.

Could you wake up 10 minutes earlier? Could you squeeze in a 10 minute workout after dinner or on a break in the day? What time in your day could you fit in 10 minutes of movement to make you feel good and energised for the day?

Find a workout for you on The Body Coach TV’s 10-minute workout playlist.

4. ⁠”What’s the best exercise for losing body fat?”

Losing body fat can feel hard, especially as you age. The reality is, it takes commitment and consistency. But it is possible with the right lifestyle choices.

There’s no magic exercise for losing body fat. Regular exercise is great for a healthy lifestyle – and finding something you enjoy that you can do consistently is key. HIIT is really effective for burning calories, and strength training is also incredible for our bodies, helping to build lean music and burn energy.

Losing body fat ultimately comes down to the food choices you make. You can’t out-train a bad diet. Focus on whole foods that are packed with goodness (like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats) over ultra-processed or processed foods (like pre-packaged snacks and meals). Whole foods will give you the nutrients you need, but also keep you fuller for longer.

5. ⁠”How long will it take to see results?”

If you’re consistent, you’ll feel the benefits – like more energy, better mood – in just a few days. Physically, you might start to notice changes in 3-4 weeks, but all individuals are different. Some people may see physical changes before this, and others after.

The best way to see results is to create healthy habits that you can stick to, and committing to it as a lifestyle, rather than a quick fix.

This article was written by The Body Coach content team.