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Tips to Help You Plan a Fitness Regimen

By Leila Novembre


The road to a fit and healthy body might seem daunting when you consider beginning an exercise plan after not exercising for many years. The logic of this statement can't be denied when you take into account how you are living your life at present. The first problem to overcome is the lifestyle you have gotten used to that has no provision for exercise. Just the thought of how much work it's going to take to get back into shape can be an obstacle that will be hard to work through, especially if you are extremely unhealthy and unfit. You must face up to the fact that you must get past psychological blocks as well as physical limitations. Do whatever is necessary to improve your fitness and don't wimp out. The benefits you will accumulate with make it well worth your time and commitment. Your quality of life and overall health depend on you to take positive action.

Most people have a hard time following through on the exercise programs that they begin. The inability to remain motivated, along with becoming bored are the main reasons people give up. One way to prevent that from happening is to choose a program that is right for you. You need something that is a workout, it can't be sitting on the couch watching TV. Negativity and stress can be dealt with and should be, by finding a time to go walking and then keep doing it. Once you get into the habit of being in motion, transitioning into something that is more beneficial will be easier.

If your body isn't used to working out, you have to give it time to adapt to an exercise program. If you want to have a better chance of avoiding injury during your workout, make it a habit to do warm up and cool down stretches. Before you start, to warm up, take a brisk walk or do some aerobics, followed by simple stretches. Once you have warmed up, you can slowly begin your workout routine. Stretching out your muscle groups again will allow your body to cool down at the conclusion of your workout. By warming up and cooling down properly, you will protect your muscles, tendons, and ligaments from damage.

Flexibility is very important, regardless of what kind of workout you plan to do. Stretch out your legs also. One good way to do this is to walk briskly for 15 minutes and then do some standard leg stretches. It easy to find stretches that target your legs, tendons, and ligaments so your legs become warmed up before your workout. No matter what level of fitness you have when you begin, always take it slow at first and treat your muscles with care. Your hamstring muscles can be stretched out by gently bending at the waist. Only bend down as far as you can comfortably reach. Don't force it. Never, ever bounce or jerk to reach a position or further a stretch.

Becoming limber is the key to preventing injury, regardless of the type of exercise routine you choose. The muscles of your legs have to be warmed up and stretched along with the rest of your muscle groups. It easy to find stretches that target your legs, tendons, and ligaments so your legs become warmed up before your workout. The first rule is to begin slowly and gradually build up your routine, even if you are relatively fit. You can easily stretch out your hamstring muscles by bending over from the waist. If you have a problem keeping your legs straight during this stretch, don't force yourself. Also, never bounce when you are stretching any part of your body. In the final analysis, you usually can't come up with a good excuse for not beginning, and maintaining, a simple exercise program. When you design your plan, you must find one that works well for you so you won't be tempted to quit out of boredom. You must be naturally attracted to any form of exercise you choose so you don't lose interest. Figure out what you like to do, visit your doctor, and then get started. And when that is accomplished, get any gear or equipment you need and start out slowly and patiently. And remember, avoid injury in every way you can. Of course, this means don't plan a fitness program designed for a teen-ager.




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