Whether it’s the first time you’ve decided to try to get in shape, or it’s been awhile since you last decided to incorporate exercise into your busy life – it can be difficult to know where to start. Even if you have the right equipment, and right workout gear – you also need to know the “right” way to start working out. Here’s some workout tips to make that process easier.
Do’s and Don’ts for starting your workout regime:
Do’s:
- Work out every day. Yes, every day. Do it for the first 3-4 weeks. Every day. Why? The hardest part of starting a workout regime is to make it a habit. Working out every day “burns” it into your daily life as a “must do” rather than a “might do”. Now this doesn’t mean you should overdo it. Try starting with 30 minutes of cardio each day for 7 days, as well as light weight training 3-4 times a week as well. This will also help condition your body faster for better workouts down the road.
- Enjoy your workouts! It’s natural to feel a bit of self-pressure to get up to speed quickly. But pushing yourself too hard at the beginning can lead to problems ranging from sore muscles that make your next workout difficult, all the way to actually hurting yourself, which may require recovery time that actually will delay you from making positive results!
- Set Goals. If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you get there? Set concrete goals, both short and long term. For example – set the goal to run a 5K in six months. Then you can set milestones you wish to hit along the way to make sure you progressing in the manner you desire.
Don’ts:
- Get stuck on the same routine every workout. For example, don’t do the same 30 minutes of treadmill every day. Why? First, it’s boring – and boring means you’ll loose enthusiasm and won’t push through to get your desired results. And second, your body adjusts quickly to the same routine, so your results will plateau. Mix up your workouts in your workout plan – change up your cardio, mix in other types of workouts, change up the duration and level of effort. Plan these out on your weekly workout plan, and not only will it keep you from getting bored, you’ll also progress faster – and success is a great motivator!
- Avoid focusing on posture and form. Posture affects your ability to breath – and oxygen is an important component to a successful workout. You’ll progress faster if you can breath! A strong inhale means a strong exhale, which can help you push harder! And, good form is necessary to prevent injury.
- Go cheap on shoes. You need both a stable platform as well as good shock absorption for your treadmill workouts – your feet and legs will thank you! And, replace them every three months – the tread may look good, but the cushioning will be shot within 90 days of your first run
If you’re looking for fitness equipment for your home to help you get started on your new fitness program, Fitness 4 Home Superstore carries a wide variety of the industry’s top cardio and strength equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, home gyms, and adjustable dumbbells & weights. Visit any of Fitness 4 Home Superstore’s 3 Valley locations to learn more!
