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Even light exercise is good for you, so don't get discouraged!
by Peter Hilsper
When starting out exercising it is crucial that
you enjoy what you are doing, so pick an activity that you like -
walking, cycling, or sport for example, to get started, and worry
about what the best exercise is later.
The worst mistake you can make when starting out exercising is to
pick a routine that is more work than you can handle.
Of course you will be excited starting off, and sometimes this will
make people pick a very hard, intensive, exercise regime. Often this
program won't include any activites they enjoy.
The result is that they burn out quickly and quit exercising
altogether because they can't keep up their chosen exercise routine.
You should avoid taking this path at all costs, the best exercise to
start with is a light exercise you enjoy. Even if this is only going
for a walk then make a habit of having a walk. Many studies have
shown that even people who get an hour or so of very light exercise
each week end up fitter than those who get no exercise.
Obviously once you get settled into doing some exercise you'll want
to begin to step up your routine. A good example is if you like
cycling then go for a short cycle ride every second evening, after a
while you will notice you can cycle for longer without getting tired
- this is your fitness increasing. So when you reach this stage you
might want to try cycling further or maybe cycling more frequently.
If you've already started exercising and you feel like you're in a
pretty good routine, then you should think about increasing the
amount or difficulty of exercise that you're doing. For instance, if
you're finding the time to go on a short walk three times a week,
then you should think about increasing that number to four or five
times.
You can also change the type of exercise that you're doing if you're
getting used to it. In fact, this is recommended if you're starting
to get used to whatever exercise you're doing. After all, if you get
used to it and it becomes boring, you might not want to continue.
A total body workout will exercise all the major muscle groups in
your body. It is really the most effective workout you can get. To
avail yourself of a workout like this, you could purchase a
combination exercise machine for your home so you can exercise
there. Alternatively you could join your local gym.
Don't allow yourself to get discouraged; you won't always be in the
mood to exercise. If you don't feel like exercising, then just take
that day off. There is no harm in missing a day's exercise here and
there, in fact it can help you prevent become burned out. Just try
to ensure the day off doesn't become a permanent break.
Even if you find yourself not exercising anymore always remember
that all is not lost! You can still go back to your old routine, or
start a new one at whatever level you want, it is never too late to
exercise. So no matter what level of fitness or level of exercise
you are at, remember that few activities are as rewarding as
exercise> Good luck!
Peter Hilsper is a writer and webmaster at ROAR
Exercise
which is crammed with the best in health information, links and
articles. For more information, go to:
http://www.roarexercise.com/
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