- KISS – keep it simple, silly. If tracking your heart and respiration rates on charts and graphs floats your boat, by all means, go for it. But if it means that this exercise thing is getting too complicated, drop all that and keep it fun and simple.
- Know where your trouble spots are. If you are particularly weak in one muscle area, you’ll want to build up strength there. Start out carefully with little to no weight.
- Hydrate. Drink water before, during and after your workout. Eight ounces 20 to 30 minutes before your workout; eight ounces every 10 to 20 minutes of exercise, and eight ounces when your workout is complete.
- Fuel your body. Eat a snack every two to three hours to keep your body steadily fueled. After your workout, eat a healthy carbohydrate and protein snack or small meal.
- Don’t forget to warm-up. Warm-ups are an important part of any workout. It increases blood flow to the muscles while decreasing blood viscosity. It also aids in mobility and flexibility. A warm muscle is more pliable than a cold one. Warm up before a workout and warm down after a workout.
- Stretch. This is not the same as warming up. Stretching makes your muscles neurologically alert, which makes the muscle pliable and injury-resistant. Stretching between sets promotes muscle circulation and increases flexibility of the muscle-tissue casing, the fascia. Stretch after you warm up and after you warm down for a slower cooling-off period. So far, there is conflicting information as to whether stretching prevents injuries.
- Match your interests. This will add fun and motivation for you while working out. In other words, if you aren’t a fan of group activities, you’ll likely want to bypass classes. If you’re a bicycling enthusiast, opt for a spinning class. Seek out whatever floats your boat.
- Dress correctly. Wear the right gear for the type of exercising you will be doing. While biking, your clothes should fit snugly to cut down on wind resistance. And don’t forget safety equipment like bike helmets and for those on skates, arm yourself with elbow and knee pads.
- Before you start a weight workout, hire a certified trainer who will show you the proper technique for each lift. He or she will be familiar with which muscles should be involved with a particular exercise, as well as mistakes commonly made by beginners. The trainer can also design a workout schedule specifically tailored to your needs. Once you are comfortable with your routine, you no longer require the services of a trainer.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Choose the Right Yoga for You
The word yoga, a Sanskrit word that means “union,”...
The Truth about Today’s Top Diet Trends - 5 Diets That Can Actually Be Dangerous
Is your not-so-friendly scale telling you it’s tim...
It's Not a Stretch -- Yoga Is Good for Your Health!
Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years,...
The New Steroids: Are Fitness Supplements Safe?
It seems like the perfect way to get ripped. Work...
5 Apps That Help Manage Your Weight -- and Health
The world will never be the same, thanks to the in...
Workout Insurance: How to Prevent Injuries
April 29, 2024
Workout Insurance: How to Prevent Injuries
