| Set some exercise goals | | | | Starting out right is an important element in |
| People begin an exercise program for different | | | | finishing right. Taking a few minutes to let the |
| reasons. Taking some time and validating why | | | | body become accustomed to the exercise you |
| you want to begin an exercise program will go a | | | | are about to put it through comes with great |
| long way toward remaining motivated. You don't | | | | dividends. A body with warm muscles will perform |
| have to make your goals a big deal if you don't | | | | better, be more flexible and is less prone to |
| want to. Some people do it just to have fun and | | | | injury. Just 5 or 10 minutes of stretching and |
| stay active, yet others need more regimentation | | | | moving is all it takes to prepare the body for the |
| and set strict goals and timelines for accomplishing | | | | demands of your exercise program. You will |
| them. It is totally up to you what your goals are. | | | | notice a performance difference when you warm |
| It is important that whatever your goals may be | | | | up properly, or if you don't. |
| that you actually accomplish them in the long run. | | | | Stay Hydrated |
| Choose a program that is right for you | | | | The most common condition for many people |
| It is very easy to get caught up in the latest | | | | day is dehydration. Yes they drink a lot of fluids |
| exercise craze because it seems to be drawing a | | | | but unfortunately a lot of those fluids are unable |
| lot of interest and enthusiasm. Frankly though, | | | | to be utilized properly by the body. Sports drinks, |
| most people who begin the latest fad in exercise | | | | sodas and special bottled waters contain so much |
| are just as quick to drop it and begin to do | | | | sugar, caffeine and chemicals they actually |
| something else. A smart approach would be to | | | | contribute to a further condition of dehydration. |
| pursue a line of exercise that fits your interest | | | | Just straight good old fashioned water is the best |
| and can keep you going back workout after | | | | drink you can feed the body and ample supplies |
| workout. Exercise is of course just moving the | | | | of it as well. It is important to be hydrated before |
| body and there's lots of way of doing that. Why | | | | your exercise program, during your exercise |
| not pick a program that you like and stick with it | | | | program and after the program. Help your body |
| till you are able to accomplish your exercise goals? | | | | by giving it the water it needs by drinking plenty |
| Start out easy | | | | of water. |
| One very common mistake many people make | | | | Cool down properly |
| when beginning and exercise program is they go | | | | Exercise places stress on the muscles and |
| all gung ho in the beginning when they are not | | | | different kinds of exercise place specific types of |
| ready for it. Then they get setback with sore | | | | stress on them. Tennis places very specific |
| muscles and possible injury for a few weeks and | | | | demands on the muscles different from the |
| all the motivation they mustered up is gone. | | | | demands of weight training. During exercise the |
| They're right back where they started from in | | | | major muscles used in a particular program are |
| most cases. Take the turtle approach and go at | | | | constantly contracting and relaxing. After exercise |
| the exercise program with a slow and steady | | | | is over the muscles need an opportunity to relax |
| attitude. Set goals you can accomplish in 3-4 | | | | and resume natural function again. Light stretching |
| months instead of 3-4 weeks. It will go easier on | | | | and relaxing just after exercise is the best cool |
| your body and mind if you do. A longer period of | | | | down you can give your muscles. When a proper |
| time to accomplish you goals will also take some | | | | cool down is performed the muscles are triggered |
| of the pressure off so you can enjoy yourself | | | | to begin the rebuilding process necessary to |
| while getting the exercise you need. | | | | realize results. |
| Consider your diet | | | | Record and measure your progress |
| The old saying, we are what we eat, is has never | | | | Taking the time and energy to record the |
| been so true. People involved with exercise | | | | progress you are making as a result of your |
| programs and have specific goals to accomplish | | | | exercise program will increase your motivation to |
| understand the importance of proper diet. It is | | | | continue. By plotting a beginning bench mark you |
| unrealistic to think you can put cheap fuel in your | | | | can measure how you are improving as each |
| car and expect it to operate at top efficiency. | | | | week of dedicated time and energy goes into |
| Why would we think we can do it to our bodies? | | | | reaching your goals. Recording and measuring your |
| Seriously, we can't. Garbage goes in and garbage | | | | progress will enable you to recognize when you |
| will come out. An exercise program requires | | | | are successful and how far you have to go |
| looking at what constitutes are daily intake of | | | | before you achieve the goals that have been set. |
| food. A balance of fruits, vegetables, meats and | | | | Accomplishment of small goals that lead to the |
| grains will be necessary if we expect our body to | | | | realization of larger goals will continue to provide |
| cooperate with the added demands exercise will | | | | you with the energy to remain committed and |
| place on the whole system. Our exercise goals will | | | | motivated. Take the time necessary to record |
| be much easier to attain if we give the body the | | | | your progress after each exercise program is |
| necessary fuel to perform. | | | | completed, you'll be happy in the long run that you |
| Warm up properly | | | | did. |