How to Start a Workout Routine

Article Editor on October 12, 2021

How to Start a Workout Routine

As the year winds down and winter draws closer, main people are starting to look at how they can develop or maintain a healthy lifestyle. When it comes to exercising and eating right, the hardest part for most people is often figuring out how to get started. This article will focus on tips for getting started on this journey as well as how to build workouts and other exercise into a weekly routine.

The general recommendation for routine physical activity is 30 minutes a day. However, it is important to note that even on days when 30 minutes is difficult to achieve, 10 or 15 minutes of physical activity is still more beneficial than doing nothing at all. When it comes to starting a fitness program, the first step of the process for anyone should always be assessing their personal level of fitness. In general, this process involves measuring heart rate, pulse, BMI and other factors to determine a person’s overall starting point. This information can then be used to determine target pulse rates during certain parts of a routine, or they can be used to help set weight loss goals. During this assessment. It is also important to measure performance in specific areas of activity such as a timed mile run or the number of push-ups a person can do, because knowing these start points allows them to create a work out routine tailored to their own personal needs and abilities.

Helen Lee Schifter recommends that once fitness levels have been assessed, the next step is to start designing a weekly routine. The routine should not only address the needs and goals of an individual, but it should also be balanced appropriately. This means vigorous and moderate physical activity should be separated between days of the week, and plans should incorporate exercises that are designed to work all core muscle groups. Those who are designing workout routines for the first time should ease their way into a program by setting small goals in order to avoid serious injury or fatigue.

The next step in the process is to purchase or prepare any equipment or devices required for the routine. For some people, this means purchasing exercise bikes and other related equipment. For others, it might simply mean buying running shoes and workout clothes to enhance or feel more comfortable during workout activities. Helen Lee Schifter also recommends the use of smartwatches and smart phone apps to track time, distance, heart rate and other relevant information.

Once the plan is in place, it’s time to get started with a routine. While the right routine varies from person to person, all routines should allow for pacing, flexibility and breaks. Beginners should start slow and gradually increase intensity along with their increased strength and endurance. If necessary, activity should be broken up into segments so that there is proper time for recovery. Lastly, performance should be continually monitored and assessed to ensure previous goals are met and future goals can be set.

5 Items Everyone Should Have in Their Gym Bag

Full Editorial on February 21, 2021

Many people decide to undergo physical fitness in one of their local gyms. As you start to make this a routine in your life, you’ll start to notice that you’ll need certain items when you get to the gym. Here are five must-have items that should be put in your gym bag so that you never have to miss out on getting the best workout possible.

Reusable Water Bottle

Being able to stay hydrated throughout your workout is a must. Having a reusable water bottle that you can easily fill up at the water fountain at your gym is an easy way to ensure that you have the water that you need.

While regular water bottles can supply you with hydration, they are typically harder to remember to restock every time you need to go to the gym. When you use a reusable water bottle, you can simply leave it in your bag and refill it whenever you’re at the gym.

Gym Clothes

How many times have you headed to the gym and turned around simply because you didn’t have the right clothes to workout? The reality is that not having gym clothes in your gym bag can leave you open to skipping more and more workouts.

To avoid this excuse, you’ll want to pack gym clothes into your bag. If possible, consider packing a couple of different outfits so that you can choose which one you want to wear for that day.

When it comes to packing gym clothes, remember that you’re going to need your shorts or pants, a shirt, and undergarments. Also, make sure that you have your workout shoes in your bag so you can avoid that as an excuse to skip the gym as well.

Cleaning Products

After you’re done with your workout, it’s likely that you’ll be quite sweaty and need a shower. If you’re interested in taking a shower at your gym, you’ll need to pack your regular items like shampoo and soap.

However, if you’re just looking for a quick way to refresh before heading home, you can consider one of the many cleansing wipes that are available on the market. Make sure that you always throw in your deodorant as well so that you can avoid any excess body odor while at the gym.

Snacks

Whether you snack before you start your workout or after, you’ll need to have those snacks ready. It’s best to keep multiple snacks in your bag so that when you run into a hunger fit, you have the food you need to replenish and refresh. There’s nothing worse than going to start your workout feeling ravished. Do yourself a favor and pack a couple of protein bars, bags of nuts, and anything else that you need to refuel your body so that you can get the most out of your workout.

Headphones

Lastly, you don’t want to forget your headphones or your earbuds. Listening to your favorite tunes while working out can be a great way to stay motivated and psych yourself up to continue. You should purchase a separate set of headphones or earbuds just for going to the gym. This way, they can stay in your gym bag.

Getting your gym bag stocked up with the items that you’re going to need will be a central component of your workout routine. When you have everything at your fingertips, you have no excuses for skipping the gym. The above are just five of the many items that you may need in your bag. It’s best to assess what you need in the gym and then stock these items in your gym bag so that they are there when you need them.