As a fitness beginner, it can be hard to figure out what you should be doing for workouts. There are so many options out there, from group classes, personal training, YouTube videos, running apps, boutique studios, and more. It can feel confusing, overwhelming, and hard to know where to start.
We hear it all the time at Power Plant Gym: “I want to get started, but I don’t know what’s right for me.”
That’s totally normal. The truth is, there’s no one correct answer. The “right” kind of fitness is the kind that fits into your life, feels accessible, supports your goals, and doesn’t make you miserable in the process.
Start with Something You Enjoy (or at Least Don’t Hate)
In general, it’s easiest to stick with something that you can find some enjoyment in. You don’t have to love your workouts, but if you dread them every time, they probably won’t last. In an ideal world, your routine includes a mix of movement that builds strength and something that gets your heart rate up a bit.
Start by picking something that sounds fun or interesting, and give it a go. Try it more than once before moving on to the next thing. For example, if you love music and movement, you might try a dance class. Don’t write it off after one awkward session—trying something three or four times gives your brain and body a chance to catch up.
This experimentation is especially important for folks who’ve had a rocky relationship with exercise in the past. You might have been told that workouts have to be punishing, or that you need to “earn your food” or “burn off calories.” That’s not how we do things at PPG. Movement should support your life, not be a punishment for living it.
Think About Your Goals
What do you want to work on? Gaining strength? Heart health? Reducing pain? Gaining energy or managing your stress? Obviously, I’m a huge fan of strength training for any of these, but your specific goals can give input into the options. For example:
- If heart health is your focus, include activities that raise your heart rate, like walking, cycling, or swimming. Strength training also has heart health benefits, but it’s important to do some stuff that gets your heart going in a more sustained way.
- If your goal is to feel stronger or more capable in everyday life, strength training is a solid foundation. (We’re biased, but the science backs us up!)
- If you’re dealing with stress or burnout, low-impact movement or lifting weights in a calm, focused setting can help regulate your nervous system and give you some mental space.
You don’t need a perfect plan. Just choose a goal that feels meaningful to you, and use it as a compass. Your goals can and will evolve over time, and that’s okay.
Consider Your Limitations (Without Letting Them Stop You)
You don’t need to be “fit” to get started. You don’t need to lose weight first. You don’t need to run a mile or hold a plank for two minutes. Fitness is not a prerequisite. You build fitness through consistent movement.
That said, it’s important to choose something that works with your body, not against it. If you have joint pain, fatigue, sensory sensitivities, or past injuries, those are worth taking into account. Limitations don’t automatically mean you have to stick to only gentle or low-level activity. Sometimes doing something challenging with the right support can help build resilience, improve confidence, and actually reduce pain over time.
We work with people of all ages, sizes, and ability levels, including folks navigating chronic pain, mobility challenges, or recovery from injury. The goal is to meet you where you are, and then help you grow from there.
Explore What Feels Good in the Long Run
For a lot of our members, one of the most enjoyable parts of training is the people they train with. Our small group training model offers built-in accountability and a sense of camaraderie without the pressure of a big class. You can show up as you are, and know that you’ll be supported.
Some people prefer one-on-one coaching because they want more direct feedback, or because groups feel overwhelming. That’s cool, too. It’s your body and your time, and you get to decide what works best for your needs.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to begin, that’s where a good coach, trainer, or physical therapist can be a game-changer. Look for someone who has experience working with beginners or folks with physical limitations, and who shares your values around body autonomy and sustainable movement.
The right coach doesn’t just give you exercises; they help you build trust in your own body.
Want a Simple Place to Start?
If you’re looking for a no-pressure way to start moving, check out our free guide to getting fit without cardio. It includes:
- Simple movements you can do at home with no equipment
- Photo demonstrations of each exercise
- A beginner-friendly structure to help you feel confident starting out
We created this guide to cut through the confusion and overwhelm and give you a real, approachable way to begin. No pressure. No burpees. Just a way to start feeling stronger. Let us know if you have questions about where to begin. We’re always happy to help. And if you’re ready to dip your toe in, book a free No Sweat Intro at Power Plant Gym. It’s a conversation, not a workout. Just a chance to talk about your goals and see if we’re the right fit for you!
