Essential Fitness Tips
Losing weight and staying in shape are difficult tasks that we all try to get an upper hand at. With all the diet fads and new exercise routines out there, it can be easy to lose focus of what really matters. Losing weight takes a commitment to work and making lifestyle changes. Being healthy doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it out to be. There are simple logical steps we can take to be healthy.
Check out these fundamental health tips that you may have lost sight of.
Strengthen Your Core The Right Way
Are you tired of back-straining crunches and sit-ups? Doing these traditional abdominal muscle workouts are not the most effective way to strengthen your core. Have a strong midsection is crucial to every other exercise and nearly all of your activities of daily living. Instead of doing sit-ups, grab a workout ball and perform various core exercises so that you can have strong ab muscles and a stronger lower back.
Master The Pull-Up
When was the last time you tried doing a pull-up? If you left this exercise in Middle School, you may want to revisit it to get in shape. The pull-up targets many muscle groups, and it causes you to use your body weight as resistance. Instead of the unnatural movements that many strength training machines promote, this natural exercise is challenging and great for helping to tone your body.
Work Your Entire Body Whenever You Work Out
According to research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, “You need about 10 to 15 sets per muscle group per week to see results.” Try to do whole body workouts at least three times per week. Instead of focusing on one specific muscle group or area of the body, exercise your whole body for a well-rounded workout and a great maximizer of your time.
Eat Your Protein
If you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, you are not helping to foster strength and health. It is important to eat quality protein to build muscle and promote fitness. Whey protein is great to give you a boost of energy before a workout and feed your muscles after. Forty grams of protein at nighttime can help to increase overall muscle growth while you’re sleeping.
Take Your Vitamins
It can be difficult to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need from the foods you eat. Sometimes it is necessary to take a vitamin supplement to help keep your body functioning at its optimal level. Vitamin D can help to increase energy output during a workout, but the majority of people are deficient in this powerful vitamin. Take a supplement if allowed by your physician.
Always consult your chiropractor or primary care physician for all your health related advice.