Yahoo Lifestyle 
Emily Skye's biggest advice for workout beginners: 'Don't compare yourself'
If you're someone who hasn't done many workouts before, knowing where and how to start can be daunting.
So as the weather warms up and people look for new ways to keep their bodies moving, we thought we'd enlist the help of personal trainer and FIT app founder Emily Skye to share some advice for beginners, or new mums looking to get back into working out, ahead of her exclusive Beginner Workout Challenge with Yahoo Lifestyle.
What are your tips for beginners just starting out in an exercise program?
"Take it at your own pace. Just because you see a woman lifting heavy weights or doing fast push-ups at the gym doesn’t mean you have to train at that level from day one.
You may not have full mobility and it’s very likely you’ll experience DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) when you’re starting out. But as your body adjusts, the soreness will ease and you’ll find yourself doing deeper squats than you could at the beginning. Give your body a rest every couple of days, and make stretching and recovery a part of your routine.
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It’s also super important not to compare yourself to other people's journeys. If you don’t see physical changes early on, don’t give up! All bodies are different – focus on the way exercise makes you feel, not the way it makes you look.
Advice for someone who might be nervous about being a beginner?
"I’ve had to start again twice now after the birth of my babies, so I can tell you it is possible! My program offers In Gym and At Home workout styles, so you can start in whatever space feels comfortable for you.
Give yourself time to learn the basics, and if you look like a baby giraffe in the beginning – hey, we’ve all been there!
It’s okay to laugh at yourself, reset and try again. One of the best things you can do as a beginner is to grab a fitness buddy and motivate each other to keep going.
Any advice for mums looking to get back into working out after pregnancy?
"Step one is to make sure you have the green light from your doctor before returning to exercise after having your baby.
Your body has just achieved something pretty amazing, so be kind to it. It’s not a race, so take it slowly and only pick up the intensity when you feel ready and when you have medical clearance to do so.
What if I'm not sure where to start when it comes to workouts?
"Find something that eases you into a fitness routine – it should be something achievable and fun!
If you can’t fit it into your busy lifestyle, you’ll never stick with it. That’s why my beginner program FIT Foundations is only 3-4 workouts per week over 6 weeks. Anything that helps you get into that regular habit and makes that ‘you’ time enjoyable."
If you're in need of some workout inspiration and are not sure where to start, stay tuned for Yahoo Lifestyle's exclusive Beginner Workout Challenge with Emily Skye, kicking off today! For the next 4 weeks Emily will share a simple, low impact beginner workout you can try at home.
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