So, you want to start working out, but you aren’t sure of the best plan of attack? There is nothing to be ashamed of, as there are many people who want to start paying closer attention to their fitness but don’t know where to begin. Whether you want to lose 10 pounds or 50, there are a number of things that you can do to help ensure that you will shed those unwanted pounds in the most efficient way possible.
Here are a few workout tips for beginners.
Make a schedule – When people first decide that they want to take charge of their fitness, it is a good idea to make a workout schedule. Life can be hectic and busy for some, but if you schedule in your workouts, there is no reason why you won’t be able to fit it in with your daily routine.
Develop A Habit– Develop a fitness habit by working out every day. Daily workouts no matter how small will keep you on track.
Set goals – Some people choose to start working out with the only goal in mind being to lose weight. There is nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight, but there is more involved than just expressing this desire. Along with making a workout schedule, you will also want to know how much weight you want to lose and by what date. These goals should be attainable, so you won’t be discouraged by failing to lose the weight you want.
Warm-Up – Exercising can be exciting, so people tend to want to jump right in and get going. Your body needs to be prepared for the workout it is about to endure and warming up will help with that. Take five or ten minutes before your actual workout to get your blood pumping and decrease your chances of injury by warming up.
Stretch – Stretching before your workout is just as important as warming up. Even when you are not planning to workout, stretching is beneficial. Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, so when you work out, you are less likely to pull or strain your muscles. It is fairly easy to injure yourself if you do not prepare for your workout, but if you take even five minutes to stretch a bit before starting, you can avoid that painful injury that may cause you to quit before you even begin your weight loss journey.
Start slow – You may be tempted to go all-in and workout seven days a week for two hours every time you go to the gym, but this may be too much for your body. Starting slow and building on your workout is the best way to start. You will be giving your body time to get used to this new level of activity and you won’t tire yourself out before seeing any results from your efforts.
Mix it up – Try new exercises every chance you get. Not only does this keep things interesting and exciting, it gives you the chance to figure out what exercises you prefer and which ones you dislike. You don’t need to complete a different workout every day, but consider switching things up from week to week or starting a rotation of exercises you enjoy.
Don’t avoid challenging exercises – They are the ones that advance your fitness levels. When exercise gets too easy it has little effect
Learn your limit – Everyone likes to push his or her limits when trying to reach a goal, but when working out you may cause more harm than good. Doing more than you can handle may lead to injury, so instead of pushing yourself too hard, do what you can. When your body is used to working out and engaging in strenuous activities, you can add to your workout plan.
Don’t Give Up! – Remind yourself regularly of what motivates you to get and stay fit.
You may be a beginner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to work out properly. Following these tips will allow you to have the positive workout experience that you have been looking for and meet your weight loss goals. Your health is important and even though staying on top of your fitness can be hard, it can also be fun and rewarding for anyone who sticks to it.