Getting Started

In the real world, life can get in the way of getting in shape, so The Naked Gym is here to help, with a revolutionary new support & motivation system.

But we can't do it for you. You've got to really want to do it. So for a start, here are few tips to help out.

Well it has to be fun, doesn't it?

All you have to do is get your body moving and get your heart rate up to start enjoying the benefits of exercise. What you actually do is up to you, so choose something you like. That way, you're more likely to do it. If you don't like running, ride a bike instead. Simple.

And If you like music, play some music that gets you going, or distracts you if that's what you need. If there's a TV handy and it can alleviate some of the boring bits, that's fine too.

It's OK to dream.

If you've got things you'd like to accomplish but you've never gotten around to, write them down. Use them to motivate you. You might not be physically ready yet, but dreaming of finishing a half marathon is a great way to get started with a regular walking regime. Use The Naked Gym Diary. Write down the goal, set a reasonable time frame, set out some milestones for along the way. You can change your goal if one doesn't work out, but you've got to have one. Make it realistic though. If you haven't trained since high school footy days don't start thinking you can still go at that pace. Because you can't that's a promise. Ease back into it. And if you're new to exercise, start slowly and build up. Rome wasn't chiseled from granite in a day.

Only listen to the positive voices in your head.

You might feel awkward, maybe self conscious. But remember, you're doing something for yourself and you will get there. Don't listen to anything that's not encouraging you.

Be patient.

Give it time. It takes about 3 weeks to form a habit and 4 - 6 for you to see some results. At that point everything is going to become easier.

Use visual cues.

It can help to have some kind of visual reminder of what you're trying to achieve. If you're trying to fit into your wedding dress, have a picture of your wedding day uploaded to your Naked Gym 'My Goals'. If you're trying to be healthier for children or grandchildren, use a picture if them. And if you're trying to catch the woman of your dreams, have a picture of her.

Pat yourself on the back.

When you reach a milestone or goal, reward yourself. Try and make it in line with your new healthy lifestyle. Treat yourself to a new pair of running shoes, take a trip to Fiji and walk around with your shirt off. Buy a pair of jeans in your new size.

Spread the word.

Tell people what you're up to. What you're trying to achieve. Husband, wife, sister, friend, we always do better if someone else is watching. Set them up as Naked Gym Motivators, they'll be given notice of your progress and can offer encouragement at the right times.

Have a buddy.

Exercise with a friend and you'll be adding a little positive peer pressure. A little gentle competitiveness can work wonders.

Chart your course.

Use statistics. Time yourself, weigh yourself, measure yourself. Upload the stats to The Naked Gym and watch yourself get in better shape, you'll look back at where you started compared to where you get to and feel a million bucks.

And back to the first point: It has to be fun, doesn't it?

Hang on, there are a couple of things not to do.

• Don't go overboard on buying the gear. You might want a whole lot of hardware, and some fancy new exercise clothes only to find that you don't like wearing lycra after all.
• Base your goals in the here and now.
• Don't try and relive the glory of a high school record you set 20 years ago, because you ain't gonna get it.
• Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone is different.
• And completely avoid comparing yourself to celebrities.