Things to Know Before Beginning Your Exercise Routine
July 19, 2018
Exercise is a key component in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are new to exercise or looking to ramp up your existing routine, there are a few things you should consider to achieve success.
Goals are necessary to give you something to strive for, but they should be realistic. A realistic goal is something that fits within your current lifestyle but is also going to make a positive impact on your overall health. After you set your goal then establish a plan to achieve it.
When getting started on a fitness program, don’t overdo it, tackle one lifestyle change at a time. If you are a complete beginner then keep it simple with exercising just two to three times per week. You can gradually work your way up and make changes - something simple like adding a group fitness class to your week will make a difference. Change is healthy and necessary to maintain your fitness and well being.
Goals are necessary to give you something to strive for, but they should be realistic. A realistic goal is something that fits within your current lifestyle but is also going to make a positive impact on your overall health. After you set your goal then establish a plan to achieve it.
When getting started on a fitness program, don’t overdo it, tackle one lifestyle change at a time. If you are a complete beginner then keep it simple with exercising just two to three times per week. You can gradually work your way up and make changes - something simple like adding a group fitness class to your week will make a difference. Change is healthy and necessary to maintain your fitness and well being.
Regardless of your exercise experience, incorporating a warm up into your routine is vital. Your warm up and cool down are important for safety. A warm up doesn’t have to be long. A quick 10 minute warm up will increase blood flow to your muscles and help reduce risk of injury.
After your workout, a proper cool down is equally important. A proper cool down allows your heart rate to return to normal and can help prevent you from feeling dizzy or fainting.
It’s normal to feel some soreness 24- 48 hours after exercising – it will go away. To sooth sore muscles, keep moving the day after because remaining still will cause soreness to set in.
The most important thing is to get started with an exercise routine. These principles apply to newbies as well as people that are getting back into a fitness program. If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional. Work at your own pace/level and always remember to have fun! After all, exercise does boost our happiness.