Ready or not, 2025 is here and with that many of you are thinking about starting (or restarting) your fitness journey. When is the right time to start? That’s an easy one. Anytime that you can get some traction or momentum or just the courage to walk through the door is the right time. I would encourage you to start today 🙂 Muscle is medicine and if it were a pill, it would be the most widely prescribed!
So let’s say for arguments sake that today is the day you take control of your life and decide to start feeling better. Here are three of the most common questions we hear from beginners at DSC. Let’s dive in!
“How Often Should I Work Out When I’m Just Starting?”
This is probably the #1 question we get, and here’s the honest answer: start with 2-3 days per week.
Why? Because:
- Your body needs time to adapt to new movements
- You’ll be less likely to get overwhelmed
- Recovery is just as important as the workout itself
- Consistency beats intensity every time
Remember: Exercise is like a prescription drug – the right dose heals, but too much too soon can hurt. At DSC, we help you find that sweet spot where you’re challenging yourself without burning out or getting injured.
“Will Lifting Weights Make Me Bulky?”
This is one of my favorites!!
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Absolutely not, and here’s why:
Building significant muscle mass (hypertrophy) requires:
- Specific training protocols
- Carefully planned and executed nutrition
- Often years of dedicated effort
- And for many, specific genetic factors
What lifting weights WILL do:
- Boost your metabolism
- Improve bone density
- Enhance daily function
- Build confidence
- Help prevent injury
- Create lean, strong muscle
The functional strength training we do at DSC is designed to make you stronger for life, not to turn you into a bodybuilder (unless that’s your goal!). And if that is your goal, we are not going to be the fit for you, but we do have some great body builder gym recommendations for you!
“What Should I Eat Before and After Working Out?”
This question shows you’re already thinking like an athlete! Here’s the simplified version:
Before workout (1-2 hours prior):
- Light, easily digestible meal
- Mix of carbs and protein
- Example: banana with peanut butter, or toast with eggs
After workout (within 30-60 minutes):
- Protein for muscle recovery (1.2-1.5 gm per pound of body weight per day)
- Carbs to replenish energy
- Example: protein shake with fruit, or chicken with rice
But here’s the most important nutrition tip: The best pre/post workout meal is the one you’ll actually eat consistently. This may take a little experimentation to find what work best for your schedule and preferences.
The big takeaway here is…
Starting a fitness journey doesn’t have to be complicated. At DSC, we believe in:
- Meeting you where you are at
- Building sustainable habits in small sustainable ways
- Making fitness easy and fun….you just show up and we take it from there!
- Supporting you every step of the way with amazing coaching, programming and fun!
Everyone in our gym was a beginner once. Even our coaches started somewhere! What matters isn’t where you start, but that you start. You just have to start!
Ready to begin your journey? We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way.
P.S. Want to kick-start your 2025 fitness journey with expert guidance and a supportive community? Our 6-Week New Year Nutrition and Fitness Challenge starts soon!
The DSC 6 week New Year Challenge includes:
- Professional coaching
- Nutrition guidance
- Customized workouts
- Community support
- Pre/Post InBody body composition analysis
- 50% off your first visit with Renegade Movement and Performance with Dr. Kyle Brunelle (conveniently located in house)
- By one get one free at DEXAFIT Nashua. Dexafit Nashua has the gold standard in body composition analysis, VO2 max testing and more.
Spots are limited. Contact us today to secure your place in the challenge!