Thursday 13 #5 - Excercise Tips

Thought I’d would join in the Thursday Thirteen fun this week.

This week’s Thirteen covers some various exercise tips that I’ve found through my travels, readings and researching - some of them are pretty helpful too!

Have a good one to share? Leave it in the comments

1. See your doctor before you start any exercise program. Get a full physical to make sure everything’s in working order, then find a personal trainer in your neighborhood and make an appointment with him or her for a consultation. Most trainers will give you a free consultation and help you figure out what your fitness level is, your body fat and circumference measurements, and the right way to start a program.
2. Start Slow! Many beginners make the mistake of doing too much when they first start out. If you haven’t worked out in a while (or ever) start with a walking program of about 20 to 30 minutes, 3 days a week. Each session, add a few minutes to your workout to progress each week.
3. Write down your workouts every day, making notes about what you did, how you felt and how you improved since your last workout. Schedule your workouts each week, just like you would a doctor’s appointment.
4. Harass your best friend, spouse or significant other into working out with you!
5. Every day, ask yourself how you will make your life healthier. It can be as simple as drinking more water or parking farther away from the front door.
6. Reward yourself! Give yourself a massage when you reach your goals, or maybe some new workout clothes.
7. Set daily or weekly goals. Long term goals are great, but are so far away we often forget why we’re working so hard. To stay motivated, write down a daily or weekly goal and then follow number 7 (rewarding yourself) if you reach it.
8. Prepare for your workout the night before by packing your gym bag or, if you work out at home, laying out your workout clothes so when you get home, you’re ready to go.
9. Strike a balance between strength training, cardio, and stretching. You’ll improve range of motion faster, prevent injuries, and burn more calories when you address all aspects of fitness especially the ones you find more challenging.
10. Eat regularly throughout the day so you don’t bonk during your workout.
11. Take before and after pictures…. and DURING pictures! You’d be surprised how motivating those can be!
12. Water, water, water and more water. Did I say water??
13. Incorporate physical activity into your day (walk to the office or store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk or jog at lunch time, etc.). Pay attention to the things you do - and add them onto your minutes of exercise for the day. You’d be amazed how things you don’t even think of add up!