You’ve decided to transform your health and your life. You want to eat clean, get fit and lose the excess pounds that have been clinging on to you for a while now.
So, you’ve decided to get a home workout program… or join some fitness program at the gym. But now you’re spoiled for choices.
Which program will you choose? The one that your friends are telling you about? The cheapest one? Or the program with the best infomercial.
The truth of the matter is that choosing a fitness program is a very personal decision and not as obvious as you’d like to believe. Just picking any ol’ fitness program because it’s the latest trend doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you.
There are a few factors you must consider.
Your goals and fitness level
Your goal is very important when choosing which workout regimen to get on. If you’re already lean but you wish to pack on the muscle, going with a calisthenics or bodybuilding program will be great.
But if you chose a cardio-based program like Insanity Max, you’d lose even more weight and struggle to gain muscle. While programs like P90X, Cize and Insanity are great for people who are trying to lose weight and get in shape, it’s not right for you if you are looking to bulk up.
So, analyze your goals before choosing a fitness program.
Is it convenient?
Most home workouts that can be done in the privacy of your own home are extremely convenient. In the past, people used DVD players. Nowadays, the workout videos are mostly streamed online… which gives the vendors an opportunity to charge a recurring subscription. But that’s a debate for another day.
The point to note here is that you want your fitness program to be as convenient as possible. This is especially so for people who are not in the habit of exercising. Convenience will help with compliance.
If you’re used to working out and prefer programs like CrossFit or spinning classes, you’ll just have to head to the gym. The same applies for people who prefer to workout in group classes.
What equipment do you need?
Some fitness programs such as P90X and some of the yoga workouts in the Alo Moves membership will require equipment such as yoga blocks, dumbbells, resistance bands, etc.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may wish to pick a fitness program such as Insanity Max, PiYo, Circuit Burnout 90, Zumba Strong or any program that is mostly bodyweight training.
You can get just as good a workout without equipment. So, don’t fret it.
Do you enjoy it?
Initially, if you’re not in the habit of exercising, the whole idea of working out will seem like a real drag. This is normal. After 2 to 3 weeks of regular exercise, you’ll start getting in sync with your more active lifestyle and you won’t dread your workouts as much.
That said, there are some activities that you just may dislike. For example, if you’re not a fan of dancing, there’s no point in getting a Zumba workout just because people are saying it helped them lose weight.
You need to pick a workout program that you have an interest in. If you enjoy dancing, Zumba has your name written all over it.
If you enjoy high intensity programs that will push you to your limit, Insanity Max is probably the best out there.
Women who want a shapely figure and prefer a female trainer, may follow Kayla Itsines’ videos on Instagram or her website.
Looking to build muscle? – You probably should check out AthleanX.
There are no shortage of choices… but it’s crucial to pick a fitness program you have an interest in.
Is the trainer qualified?
Lastly, the trainer in the video should be qualified. Expert trainers such as Tony Horton, Shaun T, Jillian Michaels, Chris and Heidi Powell and Jeff Cavalier are all certified trainers and qualified to dispense good training advice.
Do ensure that the fitness program you embark on is conducted by someone who knows what they’re doing. Do note that just because someone looks toned and fit doesn’t necessarily make them a qualified trainer.
Remember these 5 factors when choosing your fitness program.
