Start Exercising With These Tips
By Rachel Carver
You know you want to start working out. But you keep pushing back your start date. Or maybe you're not even sure where to begin.
If you are finding starting challenging, there are some ways to get you moving in the right direction. Read on for some ways to find your workout groove.
Stop Thinking About Exercise as All or Nothing
Life happens. Even athletes have days where their planned workout does not happen. Don't let a few missed workouts stop your progress. Go back to it as soon as you can.
Fitness is not about never missing a day. In fact, rest days are important. You will see results if you give it your best effort during the exercises you do complete.
Be Realistic With Time
Time management is useful in all aspects of life. If you don't have a full hour for exercise, you probably should avoid long workouts. Choose workouts that fit your schedule.
Be able to improvise. If you need to shorten your workout for some reason, don't stress about it. Even a short walk or quick core training session is better than completely skipping a planned workout day.
Enjoy Your Workouts
If the idea of slogging away on the treadmill makes you cringe, don't do it. Forcing yourself to do something you despise will only increase your probability of failure.
From HIIT to strength training to walking, workouts come in all shapes and sizes. Enjoying your workouts will help you stay consistent and achieve results.
Listen to Your Body
You're not going to be able to run two miles the first time you try to run. Be honest with yourself. Pick exercises that match your current skill and desire. This will keep feelings of disappointment and self-doubt at bay. Starting slow and gradually increasing intensity will also decrease injury risk.
Think Long-Term
Will you still want to follow this workout routine in six months? If not, you might want to find some different workouts. Real progress takes time.
While regular exercise helps with weight loss, it also gives you other health benefits. Finding a physical activity you can stick with will benefit you even after you lose weight.
The Bottom Line
It's acceptable to feel overwhelmed when you start exercising. You also might ditch one workout for something else once you realize it won't work for you. Exercise should be enjoyable as well as a way to shed pounds.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Angelo, Tex.