Physical activity is tremendously beneficial for your health but there are certain elements that you can keep in mind before you start to get the maximum benefit of your exercise regimen. Being physically active does not only keep your body fit and active, but it can also keep your mind healthy. It may also affect your health tremendously in the long run.
If you’re new to working out, here are four key factors that you should keep at the forefront of your mind to make the most out of this journey.
1. Figuring Out Where You Stand
Depending on your activity level, you could be a beginner, an intermediate or an expert when it comes to working out. Maybe you have been actively taking a workout class, or perhaps you are a regular hiker. Or you could be a total couch potato with no prior routine of working out. All of these factors determine the kind of intensity you can commit to in the gym. A few metrics that you may want to be aware of before you start working out are your resting pulse rate as well as your pulse rate after walking a mile. You should also time yourself while you take a mile-long walk. Count the number of pushups you can do, whether it is standard or wall pushups, which are a modified version of standard pushups. You can determine the range of movement through your body including your hands, shoulders, hips, and knees. You can measure your waist circumference just above your hip around your belly button to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). These metrics will give you a clue about your current fitness level. It will help you tailor a plan that suits your body.
2. Choosing the Right Fitness Plan
If you start on a fitness journey without a goal in mind, you are prone to losing focus and not knowing if you’re walking in the direction of your goal or not. Different types of physical activities have different impacts on your body. If you want to lose weight and keep your heart healthy, then cardio is important. If you intend to build muscles, strength training can be your best friend.
3. Considering a Solid Nutrition Plan
A common error many fitness beginners make is neglecting the role of proper nutrition in their exercise journey. As you increase your physical activity levels, your body naturally expends more energy through calorie burn. To optimize your fitness results, adopting healthier eating habits becomes crucial. Some people may incorporate a pre-workout supplement and post-exercise nutrition plan. A smart approach is to obtain a comprehensive vitamin analysis from a medical lab and consult a nutrition expert who can help align your dietary choices with your fitness objectives while ensuring balanced, wholesome nourishment.
4. Starting Small
When you’re about to start working out, remember that you don’t have to go all in on the first day. Make your target simple such that you can follow up each day. As a beginner, you can start with little and aim at exercising for a certain amount of time each day. Then, you build up on it from there. But also make it difficult enough that it adds value on top of your current activity levels. You have to try to remain consistent. It is very important to show up when it comes to building a routine.
Conclusion
Successful exercise requires a strategic approach. Finding a sustainable workout system is essential. Begin with basic routines, gradually increase intensity, and maintain proper dietary habits. With consistent effort, you’ll develop a personalized fitness regimen that delivers your desired outcomes.