Would you like to lose a few pounds? Maybe you want to firm up the flab that’s making you wear bigger clothes than you really want to wear. If so, then you have to consider more than just what you can do: consider who you are. Your personal preferences on exercise depend largely on your psychological makeup.
Choose something (or a few things) you enjoy doing. This will either make or break the consistency of your exercise routine. For example, if you’re not a morning person, then don’t plan on getting up to jog consistently at 6 a.m. Chances are you won’t stick with this plan very long. And if you have a hard time deciding what to do – you just can’t find something you think you’d like – then just start out by walking.
Hit the Open Road with Long Strides
Just about anyone can walk. The great thing is that you can start walking at any time no matter what your current fitness level. To create a challenge, you only need to alter your intensity or duration. Additionally, social exercisers will enjoy this activity because lots of walkers exist, and it won’t be hard to find a partner with whom you can both make some tracks and catch some chat. The time will fly as you and your partner put miles behind you.
Start Out Slow
Before you decide to train for a marathon, start out slow. Once you’ve determined your fitness level you can then go ahead and build up the intensity over a period of weeks. Starting out at a point that stresses your body will not only lead to injuries, but it will discourage you to the point that you might even quit working out.
Where to Start?
If you’ve never worked out before or haven’t worked out for years, start off by just walking in small increments like about 10 minutes a day. Every two weeks you should increase your time by five minutes. Keep your walk interesting by varying your route and taking in different scenery. Consider recruiting a different friend to walk with you each day so you can vary your conversation and learn new things as you walk.
Gym Time
If the thought of walking makes you yawn, maybe you need a bigger challenge. Consider visiting the local health club. A qualified trainer will be able to answer your pressing questions about fitness and can even design a workout that will challenge, but not overexert your body.
Before your put your money into the gym’s offers, though, check out their full services. Get a feel for the environment so you’ll know if you will feel not only comfortable but encouraged to workout there every day. Examine the gym’s equipment to make sure that it’s in good working order.
Other Social Opportunities
If a gym doesn’t appeal to you, then consider any one of the many other socially friendly workouts available. Take tennis or golf for example. Both require more than just one person, and you’ll get a good workout in the meantime.
Get Fit and Stay Fit!
Kristy Lee Wilson
KLW Fitness 