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Last Updated on September 30, 2020 by Tracy
Exercise is proven to improve your overall health. Use these fitness tips for beginners to help you on your road to a healthy lifestyle.
Fitness Tips for Beginners
So you have decided that you are ready to make your health and fitness a priority, but how do you start being more active? You have come to the right place! Check out these fitness tips for beginners and get motivated to workout. It’s been proven that exercise is good for us, it can improve mental health, reduce our risk of disease and it can help us lose weight. There are quite a few different types of exercise and yoga so before to think about which options are best for you. But don’t let the options overwhelm you and stop you from starting to exercise, making the decision to start to exercise is one of the best decisions you will make. So, let’s get you started on your new fitness journey.
Here are 8 Tips To Get Physically Active
1. Set Realistic Goals
Make sure that when you are setting your fitness and activity goals that you keep them realistic, especially in the beginning. If you set yourself up for failure right from the start by setting an unrealistic goal for yourself, you are not nearly as likely to continue sticking with it.
Keep in mind that all progress is a step, jog, or crunch in the right direction. If when you begin your fitness journey you are simply walking around the block several times a week, it is still physical activity, and it is better than doing nothing at all.
2. Warm-up
Warming up, and stretching out before a workout is not just for fitness professionals, they are for everyone. Warming up or stretching before you begin a workout can help to prevent injuries, increase your flexibility, and prevent muscle soreness after your workout is complete.
3. Cool Down
Cooling down after your workout is every bit as important as warming up. Taking a few minutes to do some light walking, stretches or even deep breathing exercises helps your body to return to its regular state. Your heart rate, pulse, and breathing will all return to their normal rate. Cooling down can also help to prevent muscle soreness after a workout.
4. Make It A Habit
Stick to your routine. The more you exercise, the more you will want to exercise. A great idea is blocking out some time on your daily calendar. What time of day works best for you? Before work? After work? During lunch? Find a time that you think you can stick to and try it. Remember you can adapt your timing, so if you try mornings and that doesn’t work, switch it to the evenings. The important part is making it a habit.
5. Find a Partner
Working out with a partner can make a trip to the gym or going for a run more of a social outing than a chore. Having someone to work out with also helps both of you to be accountable to each other. It is easy to tell yourself that you will hit the gym tomorrow instead, but having someone who expects you to be there makes it more difficult to blow off. Having a workout partner also gives you both someone to celebrate reaching your goals with which can encourage you to keep pushing ahead.
6. Listen to Your Body
We have all heard the saying “no pain, no gain” but it is not completely true, especially for fitness beginners. While some exercises or stretches may feel a little uncomfortable nothing should hurt you and cause real pain. If you are doing an exercise that causes pain you need to stop and re-evaluate. Pain indicates that there is something wrong, and if you are focusing on becoming more fit you don’t want to do any damage to your body. And be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new workout or if you are in pain.
7. Eat Healthy
If you want to see the best results from your new fitness routine then you may need to make some adjustments to your diet as well. This doesn’t mean that you can’t indulge in the occasional treat, but you might want to make a conscious effort to make healthier food choices at least most of the time. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland, there are many healthy recipes out there that the whole family will love.
8. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water throughout the day is a must for maintaining your healthy hydration levels. It is especially important before, during and after exercise, especially when exercising in hot temperatures. A general rule is that you should drink 8 8 ounce glasses of water a day, the rule is commonly known as 8×8. Your body needs water.
Getting fit, and making healthier choices for your body doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these fitness tips for beginners and get yourself on track for a healthier body, and a more active lifestyle. Remember to start with reasonable fitness goals, stay consistent, follow these tips to make your workout more enjoyable and you will be feeling and looking better in no time!
Now that you have decided to start exercising, be sure to check out these tips on staying motivated to exercise.
Be sure to check out all my healthy lifestyle tips and recipes and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more fitness motivation tips.
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