It’s a New Year. Are you ready to embrace a new you? It starts with getting off your duff, no matter how tired you are from staying up last night or how stuffed your belly feels from all the goodies you ate.
There is always a good reason to not start. But there are even better reasons for why you should.
There is something about immediately starting off the New Year right…taking those first steps (no matter how small) toward your goal of becoming a fitter person. So even if that means you take a 10 minute walk, something is always better than nothing.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to start off today ready to run a marathon. It’s not going to happen. In fact, this is a good time to think about some of the things you should and shouldn’t do if you are a beginner.
First, reconsider some of your goals. Instead of setting specific ones, such as a goal weight, strive to be consistent.
This is important because no matter what size you want to be, unless you are consistent, you won’t get there. So determine this will be your number one goal.
Second, before you decide to start an exercise program, talk to your doctor. It’s a good idea to undergo a thorough medical checkup, to make sure there aren’t restrictions or certain types of exercises that would be most beneficial.
Third, keep your initial workout sessions short. Depending on your particular situation, it may be necessary to start off with just five minutes a day. But for others it might be okay to start with 20.
Fourth, remember that one of the ways you can avoid injuries is by stretching before and after you exercise. You should also pay attention to signs from your body that it’s time to stop or slow down.
Keep these tips in mind as you begin a New Year with a new fitness routine.