Tips to Help You Start a New Exercise
By Sara Butler
It can be daunting to try a new exercise. In fact, if you’ve ever felt a little hopeless after trying a new physical activity, then you’re far from alone. New exercises include movements you must learn and master and you may not realize at the start how much there is to learn. The bottom line is you can’t expect to be an expert right at the start. If you can master these strategies, then you can eventually master any new exercises
Establish Specific Goals
Any exercise goal is attainable if you make a plan and stick to it. Create goals such as mastering the ability to run three miles in three months or do 100 burpees in six months. Don’t be vague -- make sure to be specific! Challenge yourself but make sure to set a goal you think you can reach in a reasonable amount of time.
Set Your Own Pace
Do you know who you’re really competing against? Yourself. That’s why you need not worry about what other people are doing. Instead, focus on what you’re doing and work at your own pace. If you go too hard, then you may overexert yourself. That’s a dangerous place to be because it can cause injuries -- injuries that will only delay your goals and keep you from working out. Take breaks to make what you’re doing is done at a pace you can take.
Understand What You’re Doing
The proper technique is essential for any exercise. If you don’t do it the right way, then you waste energy and risk injuring yourself. How do you know the proper form? Have someone who knows what they’re doing walk you through it, don’t simply watch someone and try to mimic them.
Practice Makes Perfect
You’re not going to master something from the start. It’s OK to fail and it’s OK to fall down -- as long as you get up and try again. Obviously, don’t go so far that you hurt yourself, but don’t be afraid to modify exercises until you get it right. Practice until you grasp what you’re doing. As you practice, don’t forget that you’re getting your body moving -- which is the whole point to working out anyway!
You can make a new exercise plan work -- simply ease into it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gahanna, Ohio.