From outside the gym looking in, a workout routine can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. Seeing others go through strenuous routines on machines you’ve never used before can be enough to turn just about any inexperienced person away. But I’m here to tell you that you aren’t alone in feeling intimidated.

Everyone had to overcome this moment to get to the point that they could circuit train and lift like a true gym rat. And the trick of it isn’t as hard as figuring out a series of pulleys and weights. The real secret is increments.

Start Your Journey

The journey of 1,000 reps starts with a single press (of something). The easiest way to gain an interest in working out and move toward your body goals is to incorporate it into your day-to-day routine in little ways.

In fact, the beginning of your fitness journey doesn’t even need to involve exercises as you might think of them. Start by setting yourself right within your own day. Merely making your routine the slightest bit healthier will set you on the right path toward a better, fitter life.

Try waking up at the same time every day, going on short walks, or even just cooking meals for yourself. These are all good habits to have (or, in the case of cooking, a necessary skill to survive as an adult human) and they can quickly start you toward your fitness goals without feeling like you’ve had to make dramatic changes.

Image courtesy of Jack City Fitness

These little changes will lend you more energy, giving you the necessary boost to start fitting in exercise where you can. It’s important to remember that exercise doesn’t have to look like working out in a gym.

Playing with your kids more often, doing a bit of work out in the garden, or keeping your dog out walking just a little while longer all adds up to a fitter, healthier you. And as far as perks go, a happy family, healthy pets, and a nice-looking yard are nothing to shake a stick at. (Of course, that’s also exercise).

Set Your Healthy Habits

The point is that it’s far easier to fit exercise into your day than you’ve been led to believe. While taking time to go to a gym will lead to faster and more noticeable results, any additional amount of exercise is a good look for someone who wants to look good.

After setting up healthy habits and finding the little moments to get a bit more exercise in, other parts of losing weight or managing health will start to fall into place. Get started today—you’ll be glad you did!

The post The First Rep Is an Increment of the Next 1,000 appeared first on Breaking Muscle.