Contributed By Sandy | Published: Nov 8, 2005
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by Hank Lunton the chief writer for, and editor of
Sole Exercise
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All of us have some time or the other have thought about
starting an exercise program to get into shape. Many of us
actually spend more time thinking about the program than
getting down to actually starting it. It is important to
start the exercise program for retaining good health. It is
also important not to get bogged down by your age because
starting a exercise program is not as difficult or scary as
you may think.
Check in with your doctor before you start an exercise
program. He or she can help you find the exercise that is
best for your particular needs. You don't want to start out
doing something that will harm instead of help you.
You should try to include the physical activities that you
enjoy in your exercise program. But do not try to include
those activities that you hate, in your exercise schedule.
For example if you do not like running don't even bother
trying to add it into your new exercise program. This way
you are picking on one more reason which might bring you
failure in this new exercise program. The important thing is
to spot and include the activities that you enjoy doing so
that the exercise routine doesn't seem like so much of a
chore but some thing you enjoy and look forward to it.
If you like to bike or swim, then start by doing them three
times a week to start with. This shouldn't be difficult,
especially if it's an activity you know you like. If its
winter time and you know you don't want to bike in the
snow, look into gym rates. They almost always have
stationary bikes, and you could work out on that until
spring comes around. All things in moderation; so start
slowly. Try 20 minutes on an easy trail. That doesn't sound
like much, but if you've been sedentary for a while you
could hurt yourself riding any longer.
Be sure to always challenge yourself when exercising. If you
have been biking the same trail for a few weeks and you find
it quite easy, try something with some steeper grades, or a
longer trail. If you're swimming, add some more laps, or try
a new stroke. Timing yourself is another great way to make
sure you're getting a good workout.
To keep the exercise challenge alive, try adding new and
more physical activities to the routine. More over new
activities will exercise different body parts. For example
if all the exercise you do is biking then your legs will
definitely become strong but what about the health/toning of
rest of your body? Adding weight training few times in a
week to your exercise routine is important because after 20
years of age one starts to loose muscle mass.
To exercise you do not necessarily have to go the gym.
Instead you can buy a set of free weights along with a book
on weight training, follow the instructions carefully and
you are on the road to healthy life and body through a good
training routine. You can workout almost every muscle group
without the use of expensive machinery. So if you are not so
comfortable with the swanky and confusing looking equipment
of a gym, then please go ahead and start the exercise
routine from home, but do start it.
It is always more interesting and motivating to have a
workout friend/buddy. And if it is somebody who is also
planning to start a workout routine, then you must try to
coordinate your schedules. Because working out along with
somebody is much more fun.
So remember, find an exercise that you like and start your
program gradually. If you suddenly start working out five
days a week it will be too much and you won't stick with
it. You might just begin by walking. That in itself is
helping your body get fit. Practice good eating habits as
well. This combination will help you be strong and healthy.
Don't forget that visit to the doctor before you start.
Hank Lunton is the chief writer for, and editor of
Sole Exercise,
it's one of the webs most up to date Exercise sites,
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