How to start (or continue) a Fitness Routine
By Isaiah David
Whether you're just getting started with a fitness routine or are continuing one that you backed away from for a while, staying motivated can be tough. A lot of would-be exercise enthusiasts start off really strong but quickly lose steam when they realize how far they have to go. No matter what your fitness level is, you need to begin with the understanding that sticking to it is the most important thing. If you keep to your own program, you will get in shape.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Get a checkup. If you haven't worked out in a while, it is a good idea to have a doctor check you out before beginning a new exercise program.
Make sure that you don't have any health problems that could pose a danger when you exercise. Even if you are young and healthy, getting a clean bill of health from the doctor is always a good idea before you start any new fitness program.
Pick out some exercises that you enjoy. You could take walks, go jogging, swimming, dancing--anything that gets your heart beating and your body moving.
Find an exercise partner. Working out with someone else is a great way to start your fitness routine on the right foot and stay motivated week after week. If you can't find a partner, consider signing up for an exercise class or scheduling time with a personal trainer to get encouragement.
Get some exercise clothes. If you are working out indoors, shorts, gym shoes and a comfortable t-shirt are enough to start your workout. if you are a woman, you should also get a sports bra. If you are a man playing a rough sport like football, you should wear a cup. If you are going to be exercising outdoors, you may need warm pants, a fleece or a windbreaker depending on the weather.
Start off slowly. You can do as little as 10 minutes of your exercise activity to begin with, but do it every day. Even a short walk around the block or a bike ride to a neighborhood store is enough to begin with. Feel free to go longer if you want to, but don't feel like you have to.
Gradually build up the intensity of your fitness routine. For general health, you should exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week. If you want to lose weight, you should exercise for up to an hour four times a week or more, but at low to moderate intensity. For cardiovascular health, try to do three high-intensity 20- to 30-minute workouts a week
Vary your exercise program. Alter cardiovascular activities so that you are always working different muscles. You may also want to add some strength training to help tone your body
About The Author
Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has nearly five years' experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.
