If you’ve decided it’s time to get in shape but are wondering which gym to join or exercise DVDs to buy, take a step back. Start slow and take the time to find out how you’ll fit workouts into your schedule and what kinds of exercises appeal to you.
Home Workouts are a great way to start and you don’t need to invest in any expensive equipment. A complete workout should include an aerobic segment and a strength-training segment. Aerobic exercises are those that raise your heart rate and burn calories: walking, running, biking, roller blading, skiing and swimming are some examples. Strength training exercises are those that use resistance to build muscle.
The following are some ideas on how to get started with your Home Workout:
Aerobic Exercise. Experts recommend 30 minutes of movement three times a week, but if this feels like too much start slow and work your way up.
Walking is a simple and beneficial exercise, and it’s easy to fit into your schedule: Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from the front door of the mall, walk the dog. If you live close enough to walk to work or to the store, do it!
Dancing is a fun exercise that can raise your heart rate significantly. Close the blinds, put on your favorite tunes and move! Don’t worry about how you look; no one is watching. Aim for 30 minutes of dancing without stopping.
Strength Training. Although strength training exercises won’t necessarily burn calories, they will build muscle, and the more muscle you have, the more claories you burn just sitting still.
Resistance Bands can be purchased for as little as $10 and work your muscles the same way that weight training does; you’ll get the same benefits without spending money to join a gym. Resistance bands most often come with a book of exercises for every area of the body. You can also find resistance band exercises online.
It’s easy to get started with an exercise program to improve your fitness. After you’ve become accustomed to walking or dancing (or team sports or whatever you decide to do), you’ll have a better idea whether joining a gym or signing up for Pilates or Yoga classes is right for you. The important thing is to get moving!
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