The Benefits of a Fitness Plan

If you have a fitness plan, it will make exercising much easier. It can also help you reach your goal faster and keep you on track.

It is easy to find excuses not to do a fitness plan, from a lack of time to a lack of knowledge about what to do. However, if you do it correctly, your workout will become a routine and the exercise will be part of your life.

Start with Mini Bursts of Movement

You may think that you have to do a long, intensive workout to get fit, but Dr. Smith-Ryan says that small bouts of movement can be just as effective. Getting up and moving around in your home or office or doing a quick lap around the block when you’re on the way to pick up the kids can all count toward your activity quota.

Consider Your Likes and Dislikes

If you’re new to exercise, it is important to choose exercises that you are able to do well. It is also important to do activities that you enjoy and will motivate you to stay active.

Keeping it interesting is key to avoiding boredom with exercise and preventing injury. Try doing a new exercise each week, or change up your usual activity to make it more challenging.

Workouts that involve short bursts of high-intensity exercise separated by recovery periods are ideal, says Smith-Ryan. They can increase your calorie burn without causing muscle soreness or joint injuries, which can happen when you do too much exercise for too long.

Your workouts should also include a simple warm-up and cool-down to increase blood flow to the muscles. This will make it easier to do the exercises and prevent stiffness.

Be realistic about your time constraints

Schedule your workouts as you would any other appointment. You need to be able to make it work within your busy schedule. If you can’t get up earlier in the morning to walk, then you should plan for it at a later time, such as in the afternoon. If you can’t leave the house in the middle of the day, then plan for your workouts to occur after dinner or on weekends.

Don’t overdo it

Some people can go for too long and then feel tired, nauseous or even sick. This is normal, and it is important to listen to your body. If you feel pain, dizziness or difficulty breathing, take a break.

Be careful with weights

The right amount of weight to use for an exercise is the weight that tires your targeted muscles by the last two repetitions. If you’re not sure about the weight that is right for you, consult with a personal trainer or health professional.

Choosing the Right Exercise

If you’re looking to improve your strength or add a new skill, a program that emphasizes weight-bearing exercises is ideal. These exercises can boost bone density and help you maintain a healthy weight.

You should also work with a trainer or health professional to ensure you are working out at the proper intensity for your age, gender, body size and level of fitness. Be aware of your pain levels when you are doing a new exercise, and don’t do too many repetitions until you are comfortable with the activity.