How to Get Started With an Exercise Program

Technology has made life easy and taken out the hard work from almost everything that we do. This fact plus an unhealthy diet, which people follow because of a lack of time and information, has led to an increase in lifestyle-related conditions. Chief among these is obesity and its associated co-morbidities.

Exercise is a great way to stay fit, maintain cardiovascular and muscle health. It helps keep a host of debilitating and life-threatening conditions at bay. These include back pain, osteoporosis, hypertension, on-insulin dependent diabetes, etc. Psychological well-being is another big benefit.

Given that exercise offers so many important benefits, it is vital that it be a part of our daily routine. However, inspite of knowing this, many of us can never really get around to starting with an exercise program. And if at all we do manage to begin exercising it can be an ordeal to maintain momentum and keep the discipline to continue with the exercise program. Here are some pointers and considerations that will help you in beginning with an exercise routine and then sticking with it.

Understand your current fitness level

Know where you stand in terms of your present fitness. Some of the things that will help you assess this include the circumference of your waist, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, pulse rate before and after activity, number of repetitions of exercises such as push-ups, crunches, pull-ups, time taken to walk / jog one mile, etc. You will be able to come up with an effective program once you know where you are and what your short-term and long-term targets should be.

Any condition that you are suffering from will be a factor in deciding your exercise routine. So if you are diabetic, arthritic, obese, or have had surgery you have to choose an exercise plan that does not aggravate your condition and at the same time you get the desired workout.

Fitness Targets

Fitness targets vary with people and so does the approach. For example if your target is to lose weight, the focus will be on aerobic activity and consequently you will begin accordingly. Objective preparation for this will include getting the right footwear and clothes and setting a routine.

Don't go for broke when you begin. It could lead to injury and also demoralize you. Listen to your body always. You have to start slow and set achievable targets. One of the best ways to stay motivated is to get to a target, see and feel the results in your physique and physical performance, and then set the bar a little higher. Improve your strength, flexibility and co-ordination in a gradual manner.

Exercise Log and Achievements

Maintain a log of your exercise and specifically note down landmark achievements such as hitting a particular number of push-ups. When you start an exercise regimen, you may also have to tweak your diet; in some cases your diet may require an overhaul. Diet and exercise go hand in hand. Consult a dietician if you need help on the subject of nutritious eating. If a structured exercise routine or going to the gym is not your cup of tea then consider activities at home. Walking the dog will give you exercise, avoid the lift and climb the steps to your office, walk to the grocery store, mow the lawn, etc. There are many activities that you can perform. These will keep your routine varied and you will not get bored. Conversely, if you feel motivated with people around you and need an instructor to encourage you, then you can check out gym classes or exercise groups in your locality. Striking friendships and getting to know people that have succeeded in maintaining an exercise routine will benefit you. You can pick up tips and pointers from them on how to stay motivated, overcome lethargy, and stick to a regimen once you begin it.

Consider writing down your daily and weekly exercise routine if you think it will help you. If you truly wish to benefit from exercising then make it a part of your lifestyle; do not treat it as a burdensome chore.