Exercising has many benefits to the body and mind, and research shows that older adults who remain active enjoy a better quality of life as they head into their older years. It is never too late to start a workout routine; however, always consult with your doctor before engaging in any level of activity that you are not used to. Whether you are someone who is inactive or someone who enjoys participating in sports, here are a few things to keep in mind when beginning a new workout routine.
Your Nutrition
Eating healthy and getting enough protein and other nutrients is an essential component of working out. Many people start exercising in order to lose weight, and these people will often restrict the number of calories they consume to start the weight loss process. However, it is still important that they consume enough healthy food to maintain their fitness levels and not put their metabolism into shock. The internet is a great resource for finding easy, cheap and healthy meals to prepare.
In addition to eating healthy, staying hydrated is another key component of fitness. When working out, the body maintains its temperature by sweating. It is for this reason that drinking a lot of water is necessary when exercising, particularly if you are working outside in hot weather. When beginning a workout routine, pay close attention to how much water you are drinking as you may need to consume more liquids than you think and may not feel very thirsty at first.
How You Are Feeling
When you finally find an activity that you enjoy, it can be tempting to dive right into completing long or complicated workouts. However, it is essential that you still listen to your body and know when you have had enough exercise. Resting in between workouts is just as important to increasing and maintaining fitness levels as the workout itself is.
To minimize the risk of injury while exercising, always warm up and cool down prior to doing the main workout. Being sore is usually normal and part of the process of becoming acclimated to working out, but if you feel unusually sore, it might be a sign that you should take longer rests or decrease the intensity of the workout for a while. It is better to slowly build up the intensity than risk getting injured and then not being able to do any kind of exercise.
What You Enjoy
Sometimes it can be difficult to get up and find the motivation to complete a workout. However, if you find yourself regularly dreading the activity, you might need to find something new to do. If you are someone who enjoys the company of others, consider joining a community sports league or find someone to walk, run or play tennis with. Another thing to consider is whether you prefer working out indoors or outside. There are pros and cons to each; for example, some people become bored running on a treadmill indoors, but at least then you are protected from elements like heat, extreme cold and rain. Do not be afraid to try a few different things and then stick with what works for you.
How Much Time You Have
When seeking to build fitness, it is important to consider how much time you have to dedicate to your routine. There are some types of workouts, such as HIIT, that are made specifically for people who do not have a lot of time to spend exercising. Regardless, carving out time in your daily life to dedicate to working out is a solid investment in your overall health. Some people find success in combining exercise with other activities, for example, by watching their favorite television shows while on the treadmill or elliptical machine.
Starting a workout routine is a healthy step toward building strength and cardiovascular fitness. However, it is important to keep certain things in mind as you begin this journey.