Recent studies have shown that when people are given specific strategies to improve their activity levels, their motivation is higher than people that are starting out on their own without useful information to change their behaviors about exercise. The following strategies are simple, yet action-oriented to get you started on implementing a fitness program into your life.
In order to truly commit to a fitness program, you need to change your attitudes and beliefs about fitness. You need to be willing to work hard, even when you’re feeling tired or lazy. Only if you are willing to make solid, lasting changes will you able to make fitness a part of your life.
If you are going to be doing serious weight training, it is crucial to have a spotter on hand. As you are lifting, your body is going to get tired. Lifting without a spotter leaves you open to the danger of being unable to lift your weights off of your chest, or even more dangerously, having them fall down on you if your arms give out.
If you are new to fitness, start slowly. It may be tempting to push yourself beyond your limits, especially with the enthusiasm that comes with beginning a new fitness regime. Pushing yourself too quickly is the fastest way to get yourself injured, as your body is not ready to deal with the added stresses you place on it. Injuries can sideline you from your workout for weeks, so start with small and realistic goals and work up to more demanding workouts.
ReLifeSports offers a variety of workouts, such as TRX suspension training and group fitness classes. They also have a wide range of services for rehabilitation, including physical therapy and Pilates.
Do not be afraid to motivate yourself before a work-out. There is no audience and no judgment if you want to give yourself a little pep-talk on the way into the gym. The benefits are very real; when you exercise with positivity you work out more successfully. Tell yourself you are going to have a great work-out and you probably will.
As you get older, your body loses muscle mass and muscle density ,so it is important to make the most of the muscles you have. Starting a routine with weights not only keeps you fit, but makes you stronger late into your life. Do your best to stick with it.
When working out, it is important to keep in mind that shorter workouts are better than lengthier ones. Increase your workout slowly over time and remember that quality training is better than longer training sessions. This will prevent muscle strain and instead will build your muscle strength in a safe and healthy way.
As you grow older, it is imperative to exercise the brain, as well as your body, to keep both fit. Playing word games and memory exercises will improve the mind and stave off dementia or other memory illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease. For example, while walking, take notice of five blue objects and when you have returned home, try to recall them.
Document every step. Include the food you eat, the beverages you drink, the exercise in which you engage — everything. Even keep track of the day’s weather and your feelings that day. This can help you reflect on the lows and highs of that particular day. If you skip a workout, write down your reasons.
Wear shoes that are appropriate for the kind of workout you’re doing. The right pair of shoes can make or break your workout and may be the difference between continuing or stopping. Try on different shoes to make sure you have on the most comfortable pair and make sure to replace them when they get worn.
Make sure you’re stretching before and after your workouts. You want to do moving stretches, like jumping jacks and windmills, in the beginning, to loosen your muscles up. Afterwards, you should do stationary stretches to stretch out your muscles and let your body cool down, after your work out, to avoid getting any cramps.
Staying on your fitness program is the single-most important gift you can give yourself and family. By significantly increasing your activity levels, the pay-off will be that you will feel better, look better, and the exercise will increase your energy level. Give yourself the gift of health by implementing a fitness and exercise plan into your life.