Starting a fitness journey can be overwhelming, to say the least. It often comes with a mix of apprehension and assumptions about what it will be like.
But the reality is often much more positive than you think.
We asked members of the Body Coach community what they wished they had known before getting started, and we loved their responses.
From not obsessing over calories, to the importance of finding a routine that adapts to how you feel each day, all of their experiences had a similar theme: fitness is about discovering what works for you (and learning to enjoy the process along the way!).
Here’s what they had to say.
For many, the biggest realisation was that there’s no “right” time to begin your fitness journey.
“That I can be strong in my 50s!” – Sally
“That it doesn’t matter how old you are when you first start exercising, results will come and you will get fitter.” – Belen
“I wish I had started much earlier in my life (and not keep putting it off) – but better late than never!” – Beth
“That I feel so much better for it – I wish I had started much sooner!” – Mel
While many start for physical changes, the mental and emotional benefits often become the most meaningful.
“I didn’t realise how much it would free my mind, I always thought of it being body conditioning which of course it is! But for me that’s just a bonus, how it’s helped my mental health is another level of greatness!” – Emma
“I wish that I’d have known that there’s no need to be obsessed. Obsessed with seeing no changes in the mirror (they’ll come with time) and using the scales so much was a big one to overcome for me. I wish I’d started sooner, I’m really enjoying my journey now and feel so proud of who I’m becoming every day.” – Sophie
“How much this would change my life in ways I could never imagine. I wish it had been available earlier!” – Hayley
Many people are surprised by how flexible fitness can be, fitting around energy, mood and lifestyle.
“I wish I knew that different days require a different type of exercise based on how energised I feel or areas I want to target. Some days I want to focus on HIIT, another on strength, then another I may be feeling a bit off but could do pilates or yoga. There's something for every day, however you feel.” – Vicki
“I wish I'd known just how accessible exercise could be: how it could so easily be done at home with little/no cost... and could be fun!” – John
“I wish I’d known that it works without tracking calories. That would have saved me so much time and effort. I know we get told that but I didn’t believe it until I did.” – Laura
Alongside movement, understanding the impact of fuelling your body well can be a real turning point
“That it's 80% food for fat inch weight loss and 20% workouts for fitness strength tone. Now in perimenopause, eating well is even more important.” – Vicky
“Not to be put off by meal planning. It’s become a way of life now and I feel so much healthier with the wide variety of meals I now enjoy.” – Sarah
A common theme is discovering enjoyment where it wasn’t expected.
“That I actually enjoy exercising! And I can manage longer workouts!” – Stacey
“I wish I’d known how my body shape would change and to have taken photos of when I first started out using the app!” – Ian
For many, the support of others on the same journey becomes one of the most powerful motivators.
“I wish I knew I'd have more control and more fun with it, as well as a whole ass community that understood me! I posted once that I just wanted to burst into tears while working out and I felt stupid posting actually, but the amount of support I got was brilliant.” – Nikki
Wherever you’re starting from, there’s a very clear message: there is so much good that can come out of moving your body. And it’s never too late to get started.
