When you’re just beginning an exercise program, it is essential that you follow certain guidelines not only to get the best results, but also so that you don’t risk injuring yourself, sidelining all of the good intentions you have in regard to your health. With that thought in mind, here are the three most important tips you will want to remember as you are beginning your fitness routine:
Tip #1: Go Slow
Although you want to reach your health and fitness goals as quick as you can, if you try to do too much too fast then you’re either going to hurt yourself or burn yourself out – neither of which is good. The longer your body has been inactive, the more adjustments it is going to have to make to get used to your new, more active lifestyle. If you’ve not done any exercise in a long time, for instance, you may decide to commit to only 20 minutes of activity 3-4 days a week to start. You can always work up from there.
Tip #2: Fuel Yourself Properly
You’re going to have a hard time making it through any fitness routine if you don’t give your body the fuel it needs to do it. It’s like putting regular petro in a sports car designed to operate best on premium. It just doesn’t make sense. Eat a diet high in lean proteins, fruits and veggies so that you will have the energy you need to keep up with your new exercise program.
Tip #3: Aches Are Normal, Pain Is Not
The old adage of “No Pain, No Gain” is long gone. While it is normal to feel some achiness after working muscles that have been stagnant for a long time, pain should never be accepted as okay. If something hurts, stop doing it as pain is no way to try to get healthy.
Follow these three guidelines and you’re good to go for your exercise routine. Now go out there and get sweating!