Physical fitness is important for many reasons. Being fit can make you more attractive, fight depression, improve self-esteem, and improve physical health. If you’d like to get fit but aren’t sure how to start, look no further! Read on for some easy tips to get started on fitness.
Set up your weightlifting routine around your fitness goals. If you are trying to create large, bulky muscle you’ll want to do more weight, but with longer rest periods between sets and between workouts. If you are trying to develop lean muscles with high endurance, you want to lift less weight, but do it more often and with shorter rest times.
Fitness takes discipline, so learn to kill your excuses before they start. Exercise routines typically falter because of laziness or disorganization. Buy an organizer and schedule out your exercise routine. This way, you’ll stay on top of your routine and make sure that you’re hitting all of your target areas on schedule.
To help you perform your best during your workout, you need to stay hydrated. Losing even one percent of your body weight through sweat can place added stress to your cardiovascular system. Two hours before working out drink at least 16 ounces of water. During your workout drink five to ten ounces every 15 to 20 minutes. When you are finished with your workout drink at least 16 ounces of water for each pound of weight loss due to sweat.
Some people think that lifting heavy weight alone will get them into shape. While lifting weights is a good form of exercise you need to also keep in mind that cardio is another good form of exercise for your body. It can be hard to start out at first but running, biking and swimming are all good methods of getting into shape.
As you grow older, it is imperative to exercise the brain, as well as your body, to keep both fit. Playing word games and memory exercises will improve the mind and stave off dementia or other memory illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease. For example, while walking, take notice of five blue objects and when you have returned home, try to recall them.
If you find it hard to make time during your busy schedule to go to the gym don’t worry, there are ways you can still work out. You can get up 30 minutes earlier each morning and jog, or do push ups and sit ups. If you are serious about getting fit then you will make the time to accomplish your goals.
While running is a great cardio exercise, when practiced in excess, it can actually damage your body. To cut down on the damage that running can do, cut your running frequency down every six weeks to half your normal mileage for one week. The loss of half of your mileage gives your body a chance to rest and recover from your running routines, so that you can avoid the permanent damage that can occur.
Make sure that you stay properly hydrated during your workout. You need to keep replenishing all the water you are losing through sweat, especially if it is hot where you are exercising. Do not drink too much at once though or you could vomit it back up. Just take little sips to keep your body temperature cool and to replenish your fluids.
Now that you know what you can do now to improve your fitness, the only thing left is to do it! Don’t let yourself forget about this article by tomorrow, start acting on what you’ve read now, and get into a habit that will improve your entire life! Good luck!
