[Episode 44] The First Things To Do Before You Start Training

In this episode we will be looking at how you can get started with getting more active.

Because it’s one thing to think about it and even take the steps to either reach out to a coach or find videos online, but it’s another thing to actually get going.

And I get it. Getting moving for the first time or after a long time can be awkward. It can feel uncomfortable not just physically but also emotionally and mentally.

Moving your body can feel embarrassing or shame inducing as well. Even if you are by yourself in your home or room.

You might start moving and realise that you can’t do the things that the person on the video or your coach is asking you to do.

 

 

And this can be a really tough moment.

It’s totally ok though. This moment is ok to have. There is nothing wrong with you or where you are at right now.

Feeling awkward is just awkward.

And feeling shame or embarrassment is tough. That inner voice can say some really mean things to us sometimes.

It might be that no matter what you do as you begin moving, nothing will stop those feelings from coming up.

You can work through them though friend.

Where you are at right now, is just a starting point. It is not where you are always going to be.

And it may seem like you have a long way to go, to get to where you want to be and that’s totally ok.

But to be realistic with you, it will likely take a while to get to where you want to be.

Our bodies don’t change quickly. That’s totally ok.

So as you begin just remind yourself that this is not where you are always going to be.

You have the ability to change pretty much anything you want to.

So take some little steps to help you feel more comfortable with what you’re doing.

 

Preparing yourself mentally to start training

The best way to help you get your mind into a space where you’re feeling more ready to move is to set up a little area/space for yourself where you can begin to practice moving.

It might be that you have a spot in your room where you can lay a towel/training mat down.

Find some clothes that you feel comfortable to move in. It doesn’t matter what they are. Wear anything you want, so long as you can move freely in them.

Before you even begin moving, it may even be that you begin getting into the habit of just setting yourself up for a session.

I spoke about creating habits for yourself with Zay back in episode 35. I’ll link to it in the show notes if you want to have a listen.

Once you have a plan for where you will practice moving and what you are going to wear, the next step is to have a think about what you might want to do.

This can be hard because there are so many online training sessions and trainers around that it can feel overwhelming.

Even trying to understand what ways you may like to move, when you’ve never really moved before or haven’t in a long time is hard.

You might not know. And that is totally ok. You don’t have to know.

And to be honest it’s all probably gonna feel awkward and uncomfortable to begin with as well. It’s ok.

 

 

Low intensity exercises and training sessions

I’d strongly recommend starting with something that’s lower intensity.

And while it may look cooler to be doing high intensity training sessions, when you first begin it’s probably not the best place to start.

So be honest with yourself and where you’re starting at. This can be tough.

But I’ll be honest, no one starts with being able to do these. It doesn’t matter how easy they look in the training videos.

“What they don’t tell you is the years, yes, years of training it takes to get to the level that these trainers are at.”

So, as I said, start slow. I’d say to start with yoga or pilates or something mobility focused like that.

Because, before you can do any type of strength training safely and in a way that actually benefits you, you need to be able to move your body in the best ways that you possibly can for you.

If an online video isn’t your jam you can always reach out to a coach that does online training. There are so many more of them out there since covid began.

Live classes can be really great because well they are live.

You can meet other people also attending the sessions and this can help you feel like you’re not alone in what your doing like a video sometimes can.

Live sessions are usually pretty affordable as well.

 

 

Trans and Gender Diverse inclusive group training

The hardest part is just finding a coach that is going to help you get what you’re looking for and also is understanding of how you feel and your experience.

I do happen to run a couple super chill live movement sessions called Stretch Club. They happen twice a week. These sessions are usually a combination of stretching, pilates and yoga movements.

The sessions are all focused on support the needs and experiences of TGD folks.

And they are a great place to begin learning how to move your body in ways that are safe for you.

Any person is welcome to join in and all sessions are pay as you feel. I’ll link to the sessions in the show notes for you if you wanna check them out.

There are also a bunch of other rad queer affirming online classes around if Stretch Club is not your jam. Instagram is a great place to check out and find a heap of TGD affirming coaches.

If that feels a bit too overwhelming, you can even begin with some grounding practices.

Breathing exercises are a great place to start. I’ve done a little tutorial on breathing that can be relaxing and a great place to start.

But if focusing on you breath is a little anxiety inducing, you can start by practicing on being present in your surroundings and grounding yourself that way.

Simply by laying on your towel/matt and focusing on where your body contacts the ground, you can begin to relax your body and mind.

If you’re enjoying the show and know other folks that may find some benefit in having a listen, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with them or anywhere else where you think that it could help someone.

If you have any questions about this episode or would like to learn about how we may be able to support you, you can go to www.fearlessmovement.co and send us a message. You can also jump in and try out our 7 day free trials or join our at home training program.