If fitness is at the top of your to do list, get started with the information in the article below to make sure you get the most from whatever you decide to do. Not all fitness advice is right for everyone, but you can find some great ideas from these practical tips to get started today.
When designing your fitness program, focus on strength and endurance, not just muscle mass. Increasing muscle mass doesn’t make you healthier and it doesn’t make you more attractive. Better fitness comes from a well-rounded exercise program that will increase your functional strength, raise your heart rate on a regular basis, and increase your lung capacity.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help at the gym. If you don’t know how to use a machine, go ahead and ask. Understanding how to utilize both the aerobic and strength building machines will give you the confidence to actually use them. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to keep up your workouts.
If jogging or hitting the gym is not your thing and you love gardening, how about getting the shovel and wheelbarrow out and getting in a little exercise in your yard? In fact, the National Institute of Health, lists gardening among the moderate exercises that are recommeneded for combating obesity. Just weeding for 30 minutes can burn over 150 calories and you’ll work muscles in your back, legs and arms, without the jarring that jogging and aerobic exercises puts your body through. So the next time you dread putting on your jogging shoes, pick up a hoe and take care of that flower bed you’ve been meaning to get to, for the last month. It’s fun and great for your body.
Check out a few different fitness classes. Mixing it up a bit gives you the opportunity to discover new classes, and find more fun ways to get fit. Think about going to a dancing class or attempt a yoga session. If you really want to get creative you could try a kickboxing class. Keep in mind that you can just attend one of each type of class, and if nothing else, you will lose some weight.
Take a day off each week. This will allow your body some much needed rest, but it will also give you a chance to think about something other than fitness for a while. That way, you can return to your fitness program with fresh eyes to see if you’d like to try something different or want to change a few things.
Try the “glass is half full” approach to counting strenuous repetitions. Count backwards; as you make your way through to the end of your set, You will be focusing on the number of reps that you have left, not the painful realization of how many you have already completed. This is an excellent way to remain positive during your workouts.
Getting started on your way to true personal fitness begins with these effective and practical tips. Put these tips to use to feel better and look great. It will give you a great deal of satisfaction to know you are doing something to get in the best shape you can.
