On the journey toward improved weight and health, practicing fitness and getting an adequate amount of exercise is just as important as fueling your body with nutritious and healthy foods. Physical activity not only helps you to burn calories, but it increases your mental clarity as well as your mood! Taking all of these amazing benefits into consideration, it’s no wonder that committing to a focused, healthy exercise routine is important for your overall health.
However, beginning a brand new exercise routine — especially if you’ve been inactive for a period of time — can pose quite the challenge. To help you get started, we’ve outlined a few tips and guidelines below.
Get Started with Fitness: Tips for Long-lasting Success!
Before you break out the tennis shoes, hit the gym or purchase any expensive exercise equipment, take a step back and consider the following tips for making your new exercise routine a success.
- Clearly Define Your Goals – Don’t allow yourself to work out without a purpose. First, think about what exactly you want to achieve. Then, set goals that are “SMART.” This means that they should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. For more assistance with setting the right kinds of goals for your individual journey, please CLICK HERE.
- Start Slow and Pace Yourself – You may have some pretty ambitious goals, but it’s important that you don’t overwork your body all at once. In other words, don’t immediately begin your routine by working out seven days a week, one hour a day and exhausting your body. You’ll want to gradually improve your duration and intensity over time so your body can adjust to your physical changes.
- Don’t Forget to Stretch – This is a step that many individuals forget, especially if they’ve been inactive for a while. Stretching your body before a workout will get your muscles and joints ready for work while helping to alleviate or prevent any injuries.
- Know When to Take a Break – Exerting your body too much without a break will wear you down and most likely deter you from future exercise. When you feel depleted of energy but you still want to work out some more, take a break and use that time to re-hydrate!
- Pick a Playlist and Let it Inspire You – Sometimes, the hardest part of the journey is getting started. Compile a playlist of your favorite songs that will keep you motivated, empowered and focused on the future. Songs that are upbeat and have powerful messages make great picks!
Remember – be proud of yourself for making the decision to jump into fitness! Making time for physical activity will benefit not only your weight and health goals, but your mentality as well. You should be excited to begin this new journey!
