The best way for anybody to start a
solid fitness plan, and get back in shape, is to look at the big picture. Keep
in mind that, in order to make exercise something you do regularly, it must be
habitual. A lot of times people pay scant attention to the reason for this.
If your body isn't used to working
out, you have to give it time to adapt to an exercise program. If you want to
have a better chance of avoiding injury during your workout, make it a habit to
do warm up and cool down stretches. Warming-up consists of gently building your
heart rate plus all-important stretching routines. You can then safely begin
your workout – slowly at first, of course. When you finish, spend a few minutes
doing some simple stretches, or walking around, to cool down. These two easy –
and important – steps will keep your muscles, ligaments, and tendons safe from
injury.
Even so, if you haven’t exercised for
a long time, you will be well advised to take it slow in the beginning. Many
people, who decide they want to get fit, haven’t done any kind of exercises for
years. The best place to start is by getting cleared by your doctor, especially
if you are beyond the mid-thirties. You also need to take into account any
pre-existing health conditions that you might have. After you complete the
above steps, you’re ready to start. However, remember to start slow and,
importantly, be sure to always do stretching exercises before you work out.
After that, if you are doing any type of cardio workouts, just exercise enough
to elevate your heart rate.
What you do for exercise will
determine how much you tear down your body. But no matter what, you need to
allow some time for your body to heal and rebuild.
Besides giving your muscles time to
recover after a workout, you also have to allow for a sufficient amount of
sleep each night. Your body uses the time you are sleeping to rejuvenate itself
so you will be adequately prepared to face the new day. One downfall worth
mentioning is that if you don’t allow yourself to have enough sleep, you will
be more apt to sustain an injury during your workout. With adequate sleep, you
will start your day “bright-eyed and bushy tailed.” You energy will be high and
you will function better all day long. Doctors and professionals have always
maintained that fitness at any age is attainable. One good motivator, if you
are really out of shape, is to start a fitness program with someone you know.
This is not an idea to dismiss lightly. You and your significant other – or a
friend – can begin the road back to fitness together. Your exercise periods can
double as social occasions and you will find that it is a lot easier if you
have someone to talk to while you exercise. If that does not work for you then,
naturally, there is nothing wrong with working out by yourself. A lot of people
prefer to do just that. Take it easy at first. Maybe walk around the block or
inside the mall like a lot of people are choosing to do these days. Finish up
with some easy stretches or exercises at home.
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