New to Exercise? Tips on How to Start

There are sensible ways to exercise. So often when people start exercising for the very first time, or after an extended break from exercise, they push themselves too much in the beginning.

By taking it slow, and not pushing your body too far past its limits in the beginning, you will be more likely to stick with a regular routine The point of starting a routine is not to push yourself so hard on the first day or in the first week that you can’t move or you injure yourself.

Warm-Up

Before engaging in any type of exercise, you need to warm up your body. Warming up can be as simple as walking for eight to 10 minutes. The walk can be outside, or you can even just march in place indoors.

Begin with Something Easy

Too often those new to exercise pick the most physically challenging exercises when they start. One woman I know in her fifties who had not exercised for about 15 years, decided to start an exercise routine with Tae Bo.

Needless to say, this was not the best choice for someone who was out of shape.

Instead, start with a regular routine of walking, low-impact aerobics, yoga, or sign up to learn how to play a sport like tennis or racquetball. If you are a gym member, take a class, or try the cardiovascular machines.

Limit Your Time in the Beginning

If you have never exercised, or have not exercised for a couple of years and are feeling out of shape, do not expect to be able to jump into a long routine on the first day. Even starting with a five or ten-minute routine will get you on the right track.

Increase Time

As you get more comfortable with your original exercise time, slowly add two to three minutes to each work out until you are exercising for at least half an hour a day. Remember, physical activity can simply mean taking a walk.

Challenge Yourself Over Time

To encourage weight loss, you will need to make your workouts more vigorous. If you are comfortable walking for half an hour or more, either continue a walking routine, adding three to five minutes to each walk until you reach an hour-long walk.

Challenge yourself even further by trying an aerobics, running, pilates, cycling or using a cross-trainer.

Make a Routine

Even if you don’t plan on going to the gym, you should exercise daily to ensure that you get that extra weight off. If you work out intermittently (as in once every three or four days, or even worse, once in a blue moon), you will likely be disappointed and quit altogether.

If you can’t afford to spend time on exercising because your boss expects you to deliver those reports by next week, do what you have to do and only then consider taking up gym sessions.

Consistency is key.

Be Patient with Yourself

The best tip for the beginning exerciser or someone who has been away from exercise for too long is to be patient with yourself. It takes time to put on weight, and it takes time to lose weight. Go slow, and remember your health goals.

With regular physical activity, you will become healthier and slim down.

By being patient with yourself and your body’s capabilities, you will not get frustrated and you will be more likely to stick with your workouts.