The best thing you can do for yourself is to get your health on track. Laying on the couch for hours and snacking excessively might sound comforting for a bit, but it’s actually ruining your health for the years to come. Getting started with physical activities can help you reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve your balance and coordination, help cut off excess weight, and even improve your sleeping habits and self-esteem. Luckily, you can start a proper fitness expert workout program in just five steps.
Assess your fitness level
You likely have some idea about your fitness level, but establishing baseline scores can provide you with useful benchmarks for tracking progress. To evaluate your aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility, and body composition, consider noting:
- Pre and post-1 mile (1.6 km) walk pulse rates.
- Time taken for a 1-mile walk or 1.5-mile (2.41 km) run.
- Max standard or modified pushups in a single set.
- Reaching forward distance with legs extended while in a sitting position.
- Waist circumference above your hip bones.
- Body Mass Index (BMI).
These metrics serve as valuable reference points to monitor your fitness journey.
Design your fitness program
Every day, you wake up and commit yourself to start exercising; however, by mid-day, you realize it’s easier said than done. To stand rigid on your words, you need a proper plan. Without it, you are just setting up unrealistic expectations for yourself. As you design your fitness program, keep these tips in mind:
- Consider your fitness goals
- Establish a balanced routine
- Start small, then progress slowly
- Increase activities in your daily routine
- Try high-interval intensity training
- Allow time for recovery
Gather your equipment
Begin with appropriate athletic footwear tailored to your activity. Running shoes, for instance, offer lightweight support compared to cross-training shoes. When considering exercise equipment, prioritize practicality, enjoyment, and user-friendliness. Experiment with equipment at a gym before making a purchase. Explore fitness apps for smart devices or tracking gadgets that monitor metrics like distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
Get started
Now, as you begin with your fitness regimen, keep these things in mind:
- Start slowly and build up gradually
- Break things up if you have to
- Be creative and flexible
Monitor your progress
Reassess your personal fitness every six weeks following the start of your program, and repeat periodically. You might discover the need to extend your exercise duration for ongoing progress. Alternatively, you might pleasantly realize that your current regimen aligns perfectly with your fitness objectives. If you lose motivation, establish fresh goals or explore different activities. Getting expert advice on fitness NY from a professional or joining a fitness center class can also provide motivation and support.
Final words
Embarking on an exercise program is a significant choice, yet it need not be daunting. With thoughtful planning and gradual progression, you can cultivate a lasting and healthy routine.
