Exercise is a key aspect of good fitness, but where to start can be overwhelming. Here’s our guide on how to start working out.
So, you’ve decided to crawl out of that recliner, put down the TV remote and start an exercise program. Congratulations! If you’re firm about your convictions to do this, you will feel so much better in just a few short weeks. You’ll feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. You might even be surprised by some of the end results of your new exercise routine. Certain pains may go away, you may find that you’re getting a more restful night’s sleep or discover that you’re more alert at work.
The body is a miraculous machine and can run quite efficiently when it is properly tuned and running on all cylinders. Exercise is an important part of the tune-up. Getting started could be a little overwhelming, especially if you’ve never really worked out before or it has been some time since your last workout. Have no fear, you’ve already made the decision to do it; that’s half the battle. Now it’s just a matter of determining how to start working out.
Before embarking on your new fitness journey, determine if it’s necessary to consult your doctor first. If you suffer from any health ailments, have doubts or concerns, it’s best to see your health care provider for their advice before proceeding.
Define Your Objectives
What is it that you want to accomplish? Before you can determine how to start working out, you need to determine your ultimate goal. Once your final destination is established, you can then plot out a road map that will ultimately get you there. Maybe you want to build muscle, train for a marathon, lose weight or just get into great physical shape. Just keep your goals realistic. Trying to overachieve will only lead to disappointment and eventual failure. It’s best to outline four or five smaller goals that eventually leads to an ultimate goal if your goal is ambitious.
Hit the Books
Once your objectives have been established, it’s time to figure out exactly how to train properly in order to achieve your ultimate goals. There’s plenty of information on the internet to help. A trip to the bookstore may be necessary. Ask someone who has gone through the same routine as you plan. You can also consult a personal trainer to get you on the right track. There’s just one important issue to keep in mind at this point…information overload. There is so much information out there that you may soon find yourself overwhelmed and end up chasing your own tail. Don’t fall into the trap where your homework is keeping you from actually getting started. This is known as Paralysis by analysis.
Initiate Action
Regardless of where you are in the planning stage, just get started. Even if it’s only something simple like a morning run or a quick routine of aerobics, it’s important to begin setting up a regular routine. The key words here are: regular routine. Don’t sweat the small stuff. When planning how to work out, too many people try to get every detail down to a fine science that they never get started on the actual workout. Don’t worry about the details at this point, they’re going to probably change as you go, regardless of how well you’ve planned. Just get started!
Pace Yourself
Thus far, we’ve discussed goals, but never mentioned a time frame in which you wish to achieve your goals. This is a slippery slope. Many start out with a vengeance and soon burn out. Start slow. Determine what works best for you. Slow but sure finishes the race and should be your policy when setting goals. The pace can be altered as you progress.
Put it All Together
At this point, reasonable goals are established, you have a rough outline of how you’re going to start working out and you’ve begun at a controlled pace that seems manageable. Now continue tweaking it. It’s a work in progress. Continue studying, altering your objectives and adjusting the workout to your personal abilities. Expand the workout into improved diet, mental concentration and motivation.
It’s a major life change when you move into the world of fitness if you’ve been idle for a while, but it’s a life change for the better. Don’t become overwhelmed when deciding how to start working out. Keep at it and eventually it will all come together. It will be tough at times and life will throw roadblocks at you. Just stay motivated, have fun and don’t give up! One day, your body will thank you.
Extent your workout routine with a little fun: Fun and Easy Ways To Get in Shape
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