Time to start woking out? Oh boy, not again.
When it comes to "working out", the very first thing you have to do is determine "what are my goals?"
Just as if you were planning an investment, a trip, or your college enrollment, you have to start at the beginning, what are my goals. In working out you can have a variety of goals, ie: losing weight, getting stronger, increasing endurance and stamina, or just developing a healthier life style. If the later is your goal, the others will be bonus' you will just have to accept.
So, where do you begin? Obviously, it all depends on your starting point. Age, weight, overall health, experience, when you last "worked" out, and of course, those goals. The most successful workout program is one that is planned, overseen by someone with experience, and, I believe the most important aspect, be accountable.
Briefly, let's look at why these make a program successful:
First, planning is essential with anything if you want success. You don't build a house without blueprints, you don't do a Broadway play without a script, and you can't get a business loan without a business plan. So, do your body assessment (this may possibly mean getting a physical and your doctors blessing and recommendations), find out where your can do your program and what proper tools are needed, and be a boyscout and be prepared. Remember the old saying, "if you fail to plan, you're planning to fail".
Second, when you get the help of someone experienced, it's almost like having a head start. If you are going to a gym, equipment differs greatly and believe me, you want to use things correctly, or you wind up in my office telling me you can't work out because it hurts you. I've heard sooo many times. Just learn the equipment and technique and use it properly. Same thing if you want to be a runner, cyclist, mountain biker, swimmer, or rock climber; get advice on equipment and technique, it will pay in the end.
And third, accountability. This is what usually make the difference whether or not you will succeed. Accountability is why AA has been successful with alcoholics, accountability is why Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig are successful diet programs. Accountability is what can make working out fun and life changing. Why? Simple, it's easy to let ourselves down and fail, but we do not want to let our friends and family down and let them see us fail. We are able to commit when someone is expecting something out of us. So find a workout partner or group and it is always easier, and, way more fun.
Now, the very first thing you need to develop is a stretching program, no matter what the exercise is going to be, stretching is essential. Maybe I should say key. Maybe mandatory. How about do it or else! You get the idea... no stretchey... no exercisey.
I'll give some stretching tips later, or better yet, ask that someone with experience what stretches fit with your plan, and you can do them so your accountability partner isn't left alone exercising because you got hurt... all because you didn't do your stretches......
Wow, that soapbox sure is high. Hope I don't pull a hammy climbing down.
Until next time, here's hoping you tilt to the healthy side.
