Tips For Beginning a Fitness Program
Proper preparation for a fitness program is important in order to achieve your personal best results. The following tips help you get started with a new fitness program, but also help you to remain with it over the longer term.
- Before embarking on an exercise program, consult your doctor, especially if you have a medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are overweight, sedentary, over 35 years old, have any heart problems, or have a history of heart problems in your family.
- Set goals. The most common format of goal setting these days is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and within a Time Frame.) Write them down and keep them someplace accessible and visible.
- Schedule times that fit your daily routine. If you have a busy lifestyle, like so many of us do, plan your exercise into your schedule as you would with any other appointment, commitment or responsibility that you have.
- Track each session in a log (we have online logging functionality). This helps you to consistently see your progress and also challenges you to do more. A record for future review is also provided. (and fun to look at!) Include interesting things and events to make it more exciting.
- After your session, finish with a cool down phase of 5-10 minutes. This is also a good time to do the necessary stretching your body needs.
- Consistency is the key to achieve lasting, long term results and overall improvement. Always start with small steps, but keep trying to improve and develop.
- Try and talk to friends and family about your new program – it adds another level of commitment and they will provide encouragement and motivation!
