Let's start our fitness training! The first step in starting a healthy exercise routine is to make an honest self assessment. What is your level of fitness? You want to gradually increase your fitness level. If you have been very sedentary you don't want to begin by pushing yourself too hard. Don't try to jog around the block. Take a walk. When you've become comfortable with that, make it a brisk walk. Then add more distance. After doing this a few times, try to do a little jogging, just for a few yards. Add a little more effort when you feel ready to do so. The key is to challenge yourself, but not to push too far beyond your limits. Soon you'll be jogging for miles.
I mention jogging just as an example, of course. You can apply the same principle to starting an aerobic exercise program, establishing a weight training routine, or beginning a daily regimen on an elliptical machine.
The point is, if you push yourself too far beyond your limits, you'll just get discouraged and quit taking care of yourself. That's no good. You'd be much better off sticking with a nice, easy exercise routine like taking a brisk walk, even if you never jog at all. If that's what you decide to do, that's fine and there's nothing wrong with it at all. Don't think you have to go all out or do nothing. Remember that regular activity of any sort is far, far better for you than inactivity.
Now, if you've ever watched a fitness program on television you'll be familiar with the suggestion that you see a doctor before starting any fitness routine. This is very good advice, but it is absolutely essential if your level of health and fitness is very low. We'll be covering special simplified exercises for seniors and those who are particularly frail or infirm, but in such cases medical supervision and advice is necessary. The idea is to increase your fitness level, not to cause harm!
Make Exercise Fun
Many people feel that getting plenty of exercise is a terrible chore and a burden. If that describes you, get rid of that attitude! That leads only to low fitness and poor health. Getting fit and healthy starts in the mind. Learn to develop a positive attitude about reaching and maintaining your fitness goals.
Remember when you were young and you loved to run and jump and play? Activity is our natural state, and is essential to keeping healthy and fit. That's why inactivity leads to rapid aging and poor health. You may have to reach deep down inside to find that natural, child-like love of being active and fit, but it's in there. It will come out as you increase your fitness level and start to feel more healthy and vital and young.
Exercise With Friends
Do you have friends who like to exercise and keep fit? If not, reach out to the fitness community and make some friends. You'll find that many of those who exercise regularly and do their best to keep fit and healthy are very happy, friendly, and supportive people who will welcome you into the community. When you start on the path to fitness, having others with similar goals for company and encouragement is valuable beyond measure.
Today is the day to get started on that path to increased health and fitness. Push yourself, but not too hard. Enjoy the journey. It just gets better and better as you travel along and reap the benefits of the new vital and active lifestyle you lead.
