Sports Then and Now

If you usually don’t keep a regular fitness routine, starting one can be more than a little daunting. There are so many aspects to consider–from figuring out when you’ll have the time to work out, to learning how to balance a healthy diet with proper exercise.

Here are a few recommendations that might make it easier for you to start living a healthier, fitter life. Remember, baby steps are not only okay: they’re recommended.

Start at Your Level

If you haven’t picked up a dumbbell in three years, don’t just throw yourself into an intense weight lifting session without thought. That spells danger for your body, and nothing sets your fitness routine back more than a pulled muscle.

Whatever workout routine you decide to adopt, make sure it’s one that you can participate in safely. Pushing yourself is good, but push too hard and you’ll end up regretting it. If you’re not sure what level of exercise you can handle, talk to a trainer or a fitness expert. They can help steer you toward the appropriate routine.

Wear Proper Clothing and Accessories

Although you might be tempted to throw on your old walking shoes and a t-shirt, that kind of attire won’t help you in the long run. Avoid cotton clothing and adopt moisture wicking workout gear instead. Light, breathable outfits will prevent you from overheating and developing annoying skin irritation.

Shoes are also extremely important in your workout. Choosing the wrong athletic shoes can result in serious injuries, as well as painful shin splints and aching feet. Take the time to figure out exactly what size your feet are, as well as whether or not you need inserts or other special accommodations.

Avoid breaking the bank by shopping at a smaller retail store–you’re likely to get a deal and employees can help you with deciding on what to buy. Purchase a pair of shoes meant for workouts and designate them as your exercise shoes that you don’t wear out and about. Your feet, as well as the rest of your body, will thank you later.

Create a Schedule and Stick to It

Whenever the new year begins, thousands of people swear they’re going to start working out more. Around12 percent of all gym sign ups occur within January, which indicates that Americans start the year with intentions to work on their fitness. However, over the course of the following months, most stop even visiting the gym at all. So, how can you avoid burning out like so many of these people? The key is to create a schedule that is ambitious but manageable.

If you work full-time and have a family, saying that you’ll hit the gym for an hour every day might not be a reasonable goal. Instead, say you’ll go every other day or that you’ll swing by for thirty minutes every weekday morning. If you craft a schedule that you can actually follow, you’ll be less likely to abandon it later on.

Don’t Ignore the Nutrition Aspect

As most experts will tell you, fitness starts in the kitchen. That’s not to say that exercise doesn’t play a huge role in your health–because it does, but focusing on your eating habits is a vital part of staying fit.

Consuming the right foods before and after your workout, as well as throughout your day, can significantly impact the effects of your exercise. Plus, you’ll perform much better in the gym if you’re fueling your body with healthy ingredients.

Additionally, don’t go overboard the the athlete diet. Scarfing down energy bars and downing sport drinks won’t get you that six pack any faster. Stick to healthy but regular foods and you’ll be fine.

Pay Attention to Your Posture and Breathing

If you’ve never had formal weight lifting training, pay careful attention to your body. Slumping while curling dumbbells can cause you to see less positive changes in your muscles, mostly because it encourages you to check out of your workout a little early. It can also place unnecessary strain on your back and neck.

While lifting or performing any sort of workout, monitor your breathing closely. Oxygen is essential for your hardworking muscles, and if you accidentally start holding your breath, your body won’t be able to perform at its peak abilities.

Drink Water Like It’s Your Job

Ever since you were a child, you’ve been told that your body is mostly water and that you need to drink plenty of H2O every day. However, did you know that only30-34 percent of Americans are actually consuming the necessary amount of water every day?

A lack of hydration can have numerous negative effects on a person, especially one that is frequently active. Without the proper amount of water, you body will struggle to perform physically, as well as mentally. You may also suffer from more headaches, develop more kidney stones, and get sick more often.

Additionally, it is extremely difficult to lose weight if you aren’t drinking plenty of water. Water can give your metabolism a great boost, and it will help your body flush out any toxins floating around. Drink some water before every meal if you really want to see results. Plus, you’ll have more energy throughout the day.

The Bottom Line

No matter how you decide to exercise, make sure you’re using your head. If you feel like you’re being too aggressive during a workout–take a break. Make sure you’re always eating properly and drinking a sufficient amount of water before and after each workout.

Your clothes should be helping you during your workouts, not holding you back. If this is your issue, invest in some workout gear that fits close to your body to enhance your performance.

It might take you a long time to get into a workout routine, and that’s perfectly normal. Once you get into the swing of things, and are taking the proper steps–you’ll be ready to go.