Taking the first step

Entering the world of fitness as a complete novice can be overwhelming for anyone looking to improve their health. You worry about seemingly the most minuscule of concerns ranging from what other gym goers will think of you, to how you look performing jumping jacks.

Your mind truly works overtime and you second guess something that you started with the best of intentions. Truth be told the concept of mind over matter plays a significant role in not succumbing to your doubts and giving up.

Listen it is fair to say that you won’t be able to do some of the moves you see your favourite Instagram influencers so effortlessly perform, but remember they too had a starting point and I can assure you it wasn’t dead lifting 100kg weights. They are able to do what they do, because they took a chance by actually starting their individual journeys.

"Use people around you as motivation instead of points of comparison."

Comparing breeds feelings of envy, low-self confidence, depression, as well as compromises our ability to stick to remaining consistent. Everyone is different and everyone started somewhere, applaud the success of other people and always work on achieving your own goals. When you start your journey remember that a modest beginning is sufficient and consistency will eventually breed results.

Show up on days you don’t want to because it builds your resilience. The more you show up, the less common those days will become. When I first started working out with Sweat Fitness Namibia I showed up to the four weekly scheduled sessions and I would be lying if I said I was excited at every single workout.

There were days I was not in the mood and days I couldn’t wait to show up. The days I wasn’t inspired but somehow managed to show up are the days that built my mental strength. It made me realize that I could be relentless in the pursuit of my goals and that encouraged me to keep going. If you are personally thinking about starting a health and fitness journey the biggest advice I can give you is just start somewhere.

"Walk till you are able jog and then till you are able to run."

Progression is one of the best parts of any fitness journey, because seeing your body do things you once deemed impossible proves that limits only exist in the mind. Every journey worth reaching is not linear. If you fall, don’t stay down and start a downward cycle of reverting back to where you started.

Instead recognise that you can get back up and continue the motion in a forward direction. Many obstacles will be present along the way. How you respond will be the difference in finally achieving whatever goal you have set out for yourself.

You are the curator of your own destiny, work hard and believe that you can accomplish anything you set your mind too, because you honestly can. Surround yourself with people that have a strong belief in your capabilities and find ways to ignore people who do not share your optimism.

Remember, The smallest step in the right direction can end up being the most important step you take in your life. Do not deprive yourself of achieving your goals and desires and take that first step!!

Post by: Lwimba Mufune (SWEAT Co-founder)