The way you start working out makes a world of a difference in how fast (and safely) you get to where you want to be. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you begin your fitness journey the right way.

Step 1: Identify Your Goals

Before you go out and try all the crazy workouts you see so-called fitness gurus on Instagram and YouTube do, figure out what results you want to see first. That would dictate the type of training you need to do. Remember, random workouts equal random results.

Depending on your goals, your plan to get you there will be uniquely different than someone else’s. Do your research to figure out what you need or seek out the help of a professional.

Step 2: Decide on a Workout Schedule

It is a common misconception that in order to be fit, lose weight, or participate in exercise, you have to do it every day. But that’s not only not always true, but doesn’t work for everyone. The next step is to decide on a training schedule you know you could stick to long term. The last thing you want is to force yourself to work out more often than your schedule allows or that you’re capable of recovering from, you’ll end up quitting just weeks into your training.

Keep in mind that it will always be better to train once a week for decades than five days a week for a month. Consistency is key. We can not stress that enough!

Step 3: Seek Professional Guidance

The third step is to get help and guidance from people who know what they’re doing (i.e., professional health and fitness experts). This is especially important if you have been diagnosed with medical conditions that limit your ability to engage in certain types of physical activities.

Doing so would not only help keep you safe, but also allow you to realize what it takes to reach your fitness goals much faster.

Step 4: Stick With It

The fourth and final step is to stay consistent through the initial challenge of transitioning from being sedentary to working out regularly. Developing this habit takes time, but it will eventually become so natural to you that you’ll start feeling weird not doing it.

Start Your Fitness Journey the Right Way

Keep these tips in mind when you start your training, and I guarantee you’ll not only reach your fitness goals faster, but also minimize your risk for injuries along the way.