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Tips For Beginning Your Fitness Program
Proper preparation for a
fitness program is essential in order to achieve the
best results. The following tips will not only help you
when starting a new fitness program, but help you to
stay consistent with it over the long term.
Following is a list of
general principles:
1.
Prior to beginning an exercise program,
speak with your physician, especially if you have a
medical condition such as diabetes or high blood
pressure, are overweight, sedentary, over 35 years old,
have any heart problems, or have a history of heart
problems in your family.
2.
Set achievable, measurable, attainable,
realistic goals. Write them down and keep them
someplace visible.
3.
Wear comfortable clothing that will
absorb perspiration. Choose clothing that won’t restrict
your movement, and remember that this is about fitness,
not fashion. Wear good athletic shoes that provide
plenty of arch support. Dress for the climate.
4.
Choose and schedule times to work out
that fit your daily routine. There really isn’t a time
of day that is any better than another, but it helps to
pick a time when you usually feel energetic and your
schedule allows for consistency. If you have a busy
lifestyle, put your workouts into your schedule just
like any other appointments or responsibilities that you
have.
5.
Track your workouts in a log or
notebook. This helps ensure that you consistently
challenge yourself to do more in your program, allows
you to see the progress you are making, and gives you a
record to monitor so you know when to build variety and
progression into your program.
6.
Warm up for 3 – 5 minutes with a light
activity that targets all the major muscle groups prior
to beginning your fitness program.
7.
After your workout, finish with a cool
down phase of 5-10 minutes. This is also a good time to
incorporate any stretching into your fitness program.
8.
Consistency is the key with any fitness
program designed to achieve lasting, long term results.
Start with small steps, but keep moving forward with
your program consistently.
9.
Do not go overboard with your fitness
program. Exercise is like anything else, and too much
of a good thing can be detrimental. Give your body
adequate rest, not only by getting a good night’s sleep
on a consistent basis, but by varying your exercise
routine so that you do not suffer from repetitive use
injuries.
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