University of Kentucky shares steps to starting a successful fitness journey in 2024

SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY – Many of you have already started working towards those New Year resolutions, and they might not be the easiest to start or maintain.

Being active can be challenging, and here in Kentucky, only 15% of the population is getting enough physical activity. Many people who don’t exercise don’t know how or where to start.

Dee Dlugonski, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky and the UK College of Health Sciences and coordinator for the Active Women’s Health initiative, shares every one should start their fitness journey off small. It all depends on what is small to them.

She says, “We say start small and start small from wherever you are, because when we start small, we’re able to have successes, and when we have successes, then we build confidence, and when we feel more confident that we want to go back in and start small, but our next small start is a little bigger than the last time.”

Once this becomes a part of your daily routine, there are several benefits, from a lower risk of chronic illnesses to a lower risk of health conditions like high blood pressure, stroke and type 2 diabetes. It also can boost your overall mental health.

Dlugonski leaves people with some encouragement, saying, “It’s not just about getting started, but about sticking with something. That is going to allow your body to recover physically, but also allow you to sustain the behavior of the long term.”

For more information on staying successful during your fitness journey, click here.