Fitness Basics Everyone Should Know

The hardest part of any new routine is getting started! But, once you get going, you may be surprised at how easy it is to maintain a routine. Here are a few basics from the exercise expert at Life Fitness that you should know:

1. Assess your fitness level: You might have a general idea about your current fitness level, but there are a few things you can assess now, to measure against as you progress later. Try measuring these things:

• Start with your weight. As hard as it might be, get on that scale and write down the number.
• Next, take your measurements. The most important two measurements are your waist circumference at    your belly button and your hips at the thickest part around.
• Test your fitness by seeing how long it takes for you to walk or run a mile and how many push-ups you can do in a row.

These numbers all provide concrete information that will allow you to see, in very real terms, how you are improving as the weeks go on.

2. Map out your fitness plan: The three parts of any good fitness program include cardio training like walking or biking, strength-training using things like weights or bands, and flexibility training or stretching. Look at your week and choose the times you will work out and write them down, scheduling them makes you accountable.

3. Gather your tools: Now that you have a plan, decide what equipment and which accessories you will need, starting with the right pair of shoes.

4. Get going: Remember to start slow. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Ten minutes the first day might be enough. Or 10 minutes three times a day might be the solution. Just do what you can and progress each week to prevent early burn-out or injury.

5. Assess your progress: After about 4-6 weeks go back to your original assessment and try everything again. Enjoy seeing the results that you have worked so hard to achieve. You will be amazed. And if the results are less than you expected, decide what you need to change to make it better.

Congratulations on your new commitment and get your game on!

Article By:  Life Fitness

How to Have a Healthy Mind With Daily Exercise

Once you engage in exercising you will not just earn and reap the wonderful benefits of it, but the benefits will become your motivation to pursue a healthy lifestyle. Some of the benefits that you will reap if you do exercises are psychological benefits which include high self confidence, positive energy from your mind and body, a high level of alertness, and of course a stress-free life.

Boost Your Self Confidence
One of the psychological benefits of exercising is high self confidence because as you exercise you don’t simply make yourself attractive and slim since you also feel beautiful from within. If you have a healthy frame and attractive built you tend to be happy and you also increase the good condition of your mental well-being. With this note, you become confident on what you can do and such will always give you a nice feeling.

Let the Positive Energy Flow in Your Mind and Body
You will also let the positive energy level flow in your mind and body when you do exercising. Engaging in aerobics and other cardiovascular exercises will not just reduce the occurrences of stress but of course all your fats will be burned as well. When you let positive energy flow in your mind and body you will feel invigorated and you will also feel less depressions. And when there is a positive energy within you, good decision making and clear decisions will be made.

Being Alert and Ready
If you maintain regular exercising you don’t feel lazy to do anything at all. In fact, you are always prepared and alert and so when it comes to thinking you can easily gather your thoughts and your concentration. And when you are alert, you will also experience improved blood circulation, enhanced oxygen flow system, and of course readiness to face hard situations that may come your way. Getting sleep will also not be a problem at all and so you have to sleep at least 8 hours a day to maintain your sense of alertness.

Live a Stressed-Free Life
Finally, exercises will let you live a stressed-free life since your body and mind are both conditioned in coping with stress-causing activities and life events. If you are fully-equipped just because you exercise regularly, you will also reduce the possibilities of experiencing frustration caused by your family and work and depression caused by trivial yet complicated life and health issues.

Article by: Thomas B. Choung

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