Move out of the ranks of the idle and begin a fitness routine. It's not as hard as you might think. With proper preparation it's a smooth transition from idle to action.
What, When, Where, How
When I first started my fitness routine 30 years ago, I was a teenager looking to get bigger and stronger. I started at home but soon decided that for what I wanted to do I would need more equipment than I could afford, so I joined a gym and started going 2 to 3 times each week. I had responsibilities but still found time. As I got older I found myself with more responsibilities and less time. I worked my training into my schedule without neglecting responsibilities by scheduling time to train. It started with a few days per week and after a while I was hooked. Yes there were days that I wasn't feeling it and days that something more pressing had to be handled but all in all I maintained. To this day, I actually get there more frequently.
The American Heart Association states, "if you're inactive, doing anything is better than nothing! Studies show that people who have a low fitness level are much more likely to die early than people who have achieved even a moderate level of fitness." Before you begin ask yourself what, why, when and where?
What can drive you to beginning a fitness routine, improved health, body composition, appearance, quality of life. It's very important that you find a reason to begin, one that will keep you motivated. Most people want to start, they just feel there's no time in their schedule for improving their health. Pick a time in your schedule that won't disrupt your other responsibilities. Before work is a good time for early birds to exercise, maybe you're not a morning person, how about lunchtime or after work, for a stress busting bout of physical activity.
A fitness routine doesn't have to be complicated to be effective, in fact initially it's best to keep it simple. Walking, running, swimming, weight lifting; physical activities come in many flavors, what's your favorite flavor? After you decide, treat yourself to some fresh gear appropriate for your chosen activity. This will help keep you motivated. Next decide where it is you'll be exercising - the gym, the park, the pool on your bike or at home. It doesn't really matter where as long as you do it.
Consult a physician before beginning a physical activity program.
Next week I'll talk about putting together a training schedule for beginners.
The copyright of the article Beginning a Fitness Routine in Fitness is owned by Chris Christian. Permission to republish Beginning a Fitness Routine must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
Jun 4, 2006 10:03 AM
Jerina Craig
:
This article alone motivated me to work out. It is so simple and yet I never even thought to do the simple things you suggested. I like the eliptical machine myself but always had this idiotic idea that I had to work out everyday or not at all. I used to think that working out 2 to 3 times a week wouldn't make a difference. I will start working out on my lazy days and stop making excuses. No one is busy 100% of the time. Make time for health!!!
Jun 4, 2006 10:12 PM
ruby lynn reliford
:
Wow, your article on beginning a fitness routine has been very helpful. I work at home and often become too busy to make time for my workout. My schedule is pretty tight and I often find that I haven't made room for anything else. What you said about responsibilities has stuck with me. My job is an important part of my life and a major responsibility. I am also responsible for my health. A healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition and regular exercize should also be a major part of everyones life. Time is a fugitive and I plan not to waste any of it being idle with my health. I'm making the transition from idle to action today. Thanks for the motivation!
Jun 11, 2006 7:16 PM
Kate Copsey
:
Until 3 weeks ago I was walking with neighbors for 40 minutes a day up steep Pennsylvania neighborhood hills. We moved to GA which is much flatter, but does have a pool. I want to incorporate some cardio type excercise to do in the pool rather than straight laps. Do you have any suggestions for where to look for such excercise and if they are as good for me as walking?
Jun 13, 2006 2:12 PM
Chris Christian
:
Hello katcopsey and thanks for stopping by http://Fitness.suite101.com. Water aerobics are a wonderful way to lose weight, strengthen and tone muscles, enhance the cardiovascular system and improve flexibility. Working out in water is also less stressful on the entire body, and just as beneficial as land based workouts.
As a matter of fact, water workouts allow for movements that would be much more challenging on land thus allowing for quicker gains. You can <i>walk, jog, do jumping jacks, flys and reverse flys, lateral raises, move forward, backward and sideways</i> in the pool. You can also do <i>water yoga and Tai Chi</i>. There are many possibilities when doing water aerobics, just have fun with it, and remember, take your water bottle with you. Your body will lose fluids in the water just as it does on land. You can check under aqua/water aerobics on the net for books that will give you more exercise ideas. Good luck and remember, <b>“Think Fit”</b>.
