Are you getting back into the swing as we make our way through January? Have you returned to your old workouts, or are you trying something new?
We all know that exercise is good for us. There are physical benefits, such as helping to keep our hearts healthy, and chemical benefits, with serotonin – the mood-lifting hormone – forming whenever we’re moving. So, we keep fit and boost our mood when we work out. But how do we know if we’re getting the most out of our exercise?
If you’re rethinking your workout routine, read on. Here’s some inspiration to help you begin 2023 with some firm fitness goals in mind.
Begin with a gym
The start of a new year is when many of us reflect on our fitness targets. In fact, 12% of new gym memberships come in January. But 14% of us quit by the end of February. Keeping motivated beyond those first few sessions can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure how to approach a gym workout.
However, the gym is a great way to access the exercise you’re planning to do. The equipment is in one place, and you can usually access the skills and expertise of a personal trainer. Take the time to research gyms in your area, and don’t be afraid to try one or two before committing to a membership.
Whichever gym you try out, you should be introduced to the different pieces of gym kit, and it should all be explained to you. This is for your safety and to avoid injury. You must know how to operate the equipment confidently, as injuries can happen.
If you’re hurt, this could mean you can’t work out for a while. Although you can claim in the event of an accident, it’s better to make sure you avoid injury altogether by not skipping the equipment induction.
Try a class
If a gym isn’t your thing, you might want to try an exercise class. From dance to aerobics, Pilates to aerial, there are plenty of ways to work on toning up and building strength.
Like the gym, you must follow the experts. You’ll need to warm up before you attempt any classes, and a warmup will usually be part of the exercise class itself. If anything seems to be too much, don’t push yourself and take it easy at first to find a level that suits you.
Prepare your body
As well as a warmup, you’ll need to prep your body before any exercise. Whether you’re hitting the rowing machine or playing five-a-side football, you won’t get the most out of your workout if you’re not feeling up to it.
Rest up the night before, and make sure you stay hydrated. Also, think about what you’re eating beforehand. For instance, if you’re going for a swim, avoid eating an hour before hitting the pool so that you don’t get a stitch as you swim.
Have a plan
The main thing is to have an idea of what you want to do and what you want to achieve. By thinking of the goal, you’ll have something to aim for. Remember to pace yourself and only exercise when you feel up to it.
Leave a Reply