Let’s start off by reminding ourselves that staying in shape is sometimes not easy or fun. But, you have to realize that to be healthy, this is something we all must do. Luckily, it’s not necessary to go to extremes to get good results. A little bit of time and some dedication is all that you need to get into shape. You may even enjoy yourself.
If you’ve never worked out, consider buying a personal training session. A good personal trainer will ask you questions about your toning or weight loss goals, and ask about problems or pains before recommending a workout routine. Take the intimidation out of the gym by getting an expert introduction the first time you go. You will be able to start a great plan that you can hold on to.
Seek out a fitness program that you enjoy, and then stay with it. Choose an activity that you enjoy, this will help you to look forward to your exercise routine.
Look for exercises that will tone and firm muscles as well as improve their flexibility. Find some exercise classes in your region.
Simple pushups can help you tone triceps. The trick is to take the normal pushup and directly target your triceps. This is done by rotating your hands 45 degrees. Your fingertips should now be facing each other. This exercise is extremely effective.
Don’t lift weights for longer than one hour. Not only that, but muscle wasting starts at around an hour during this type of exercise. Therefore, keep an eye on the clock when you’re working out with weights, and limit your time to 60 minutes or less.
As you begin your exercise program, look for creative ways to get fit. There are many opportunities to get fit that do not include going to any gym. This can be key to maintaining your motivation, a necessary element in any long-term fitness commitment, especially for beginners.
Build the strength of your thigh muscles so as to get stronger knees. Tearing a ligament in back of the kneecap is a sports injury that occurs quite frequently. Making your hamstrings and quads stronger protects you knees from those kinds of injuries. Leg curls and extensions are a few activities you can try.
During your workouts, remember to exhale when you finish a repetition; don’t hold your breath. This causes your body to expend more energy and inhaling air will give your body more energy as well.
Wall sits are a quick and easy way to build leg strength. Choose a spot along a wall where you have plenty of space to do the exercise. Then face away from the wall about 18 inches away while standing up. As you bend your knees, lean backwards against the wall until your back makes full contact with the wall. Bend your knees and when the tops of your legs are even to the ground, you will look as though you are sitting. Hold this position until you really can not handle it any longer.
“All crunches, all the time” is not the proper motto to follow if you want washboard abs. When you work your abdomen, you strengthen and tone these muscles, but you will not burn belly fat. If you want a 6 pack you need to lose weight by doing a lot of cardiovascular exercises and perhaps some resistance exercises.
Motivation is necessary to diet successfully. Seeing and feeling the results of your efforts provides one type of motivation. Scales may not motivate you enough. Try on some clothes you used to be able to wear. Wear these every week to see progress.
Many people want to do ab exercises each day. However, these particular muscles do not necessarily benefit from that. As with other muscles, abdominals need a break between exercise. Consider giving your abs a couple of days of rest between working them out.
Cycle at a steady pace. By pedaling too quickly, you will become tired very fast. Keep a simple and steady pace in order to build endurance. You will keep yourself from getting tired faster if you do this. When you pedal at a steady but brisk pace you’ll be able to tell if you’re about to become injured due to feeling the pull.
In short, getting in shape may not always be fun or easy, but if you have a good attitude and work hard, it can become both. And you do not have to go through this by yourself. Support is out there. First, however, you must get started.
Shai Coggins 