Have you recently made the choice to start working out, getting fit, and making your physical health a priority? If so then you aren’t alone, as there are plenty of others just like you who have made improving their health a top goal. Now just like with any goal, in order to be successful, there needs to be a plan in place with some very clear steps and milestones to celebrate along the way.
These steps, however, can be pretty daunting, confusing, and even vague for beginners who are just starting to work out. With that in mind, we are going to focus on clearing up any confusion and provide you with an easy-to-follow guide with top tips that will help you to introduce working out and healthy living into your daily life. Keep in mind that it’s a process, and just like with any process it takes time, patience, and dedication on your part in order to be successful.
Outline Your Goal
First things first, you need to outline your goal in a clear and concise manner. What is it that you hope to achieve? Do you have a deadline that you are working towards? Once you have the goal, then it’s possible to start working backwards and figuring out the steps necessary to reach it.
Weigh the Options Between Joining a Gym and Working Out at Home
Next you need to think about where you want to work out - at a gym or at home. Both have their own set of pros and cons, so you will want to examine each one thoroughly. Now, obviously there is nothing to stop you from changing your mind later on down the road as your needs, budget, or goals change, so it’s best to just think about what would work right now.
Some of the most common reasons people join a gym are for the facilities (machines, weights, etc.), the fact they don’t have enough space at home, the classes offered through many gyms, and for the social aspect of the gym. At the same time, joining a gym can be expensive, the hours need to work well for you, and location is a big thing.
When it comes to working out at home, the biggest pro is the fact that it’s convenient. You don’t have to drive anywhere, and you never need to be concerned about the hours. Also, it’s free once you invest in some basic equipment. Some people get intimidated working out in front of others, so with your house you will have privacy. As for the pros, you will need enough space, you’ll need to spend money on equipment (as you progress in your goals, your home may not be adequate enough), and when you work out at home there can be a lack of motivation.
At the end of the day it really comes down to personal opinion and your lifestyle.
Research the Various Types of Exercises
The next step is to look more closely at the various types of exercises. There are things such as strength training (weight lifting); aerobic activities like running and swimming; high intensity training which involves short bursts of high-intensity exercises followed by a rest period or low intensity exercises; cardio such as running; flexibility exercises; and much more. In most cases it’s best to do a bit of everything so that you cover all the basis.
Skip the Confusion and Questions and Hire a Personal Trainer
If the above tips are still too confusing, or you just don’t have a lot of free time to do research on working out and figuring out the best routine for you, then it may be a good idea to hire a personal trainer. You don’t have to stick with the trainer forever, but they can at least help you to get started and create a customized plan so that you can reach your workout goals.
Hiring a personal trainer is a bit of process; you want to be sure that they are good at their job, have experience, and also gel well with you and your personality. Doing a simple online search with a site such as Booksy can help you to find trainers in your area, see reviews from other people, and get an idea of pricing and services offered. Whether you are looking for a personal trainer or one in Charleston, just type in what you’re looking for and the city you reside in, and the results will pop up.
Personal trainers can work at local gyms, or they may be an independent trainer who comes to your house. The goals that you have, your budget, and the facilities you have at home will help determine what is the best route for you.
Make Sure You Make Changes to Your Diet
Before you start to cringe at the word “diet” it’s important to understand that dieting isn’t necessary in order to get fit and healthy. What is necessary is changing the way you eat and making healthier well-balanced choices. This means eating the proper amounts of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, as well as calories.
A healthy well-balanced diet should consist of lean proteins, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits. That's not to say you can't indulge here and there, but it should be a special treat rather than a daily occurrence. Again, it’s not about dieting, rather it is making better choices moving forward.
As for the number of calories you should consume, it is based on your gender, age, and personal health goals. This is something your doctor can help you to figure out. Consuming too many or not enough calories will actually torpedo weight loss goals.
On the Road to Good Health
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to good health, achieving your goals, and feeling better all around. Keep in mind that working out shouldn’t just be seen as a temporary thing in order to lose weight, rather it is a healthy lifestyle choice that will help you to feel better moving forward.
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