Well if you are reading this then you’ve decided to take the plunge and start exercising – whatever age and size you are, starting a fitness regime can be scary! Most of us feel embarrassed about our bodies and fitness level – leaving us not knowing where to begin. Don’t let your lack of experience or know-how prevent you from reaching your body and fitness goals. Keeping fit will not only increase your life expectancy and ability to tackle day-to-day activities with ease, it will also increase your overall quality of life and leave you feeling confident and happy.
What to Wear
Ok now this is something that put many of us off! Who wants to put Lycra trousers on? And if you were anything like me then you haven’t even thought about exercise for the last few years, let alone buying gym gear! Don’t let the lack of suitable clothing be an excuse – depending on the time of year, go for a pair of light, flexible shorts/jogging bottoms and some comfy trainers!
In terms of clothing, you don’t really need any sort of technical gear. Start with wearing something comfortable and loose, like a cotton pair of shorts – preferably a dark colour in case you start sweat! If you’re a woman reading this then you must invest in a good sports bra, plenty of high street stores do supportable bras designed for workout.
Eating and Drinking
It’s important to have energy for your run, but don’t overdo it. Remember, try not to eat to particularly large or heavy meal just before exercising, try and stop eating around an hour before hand. It if you find that you are really hungry, then try something like a banana and bottle of water before exercising to keep you hydrated and plenty of energy.
It is key that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day prior to exercise, you need to be hydrated and ready to workout. If you are worried that you will need to have a drink during your exercise sport then don’t panic; take a small bottle of water with you, try to take sips.
Fitness Definitions
Even long-term exercisers may not have heard some of these fitness terms, here are what they mean just in case you come across them!
- Aerobic/cardiovascular activity: These are also known as exercises that are strenuous enough to temporarily speed up your breathing and heart rate, i.e. running and swimming.
- Reps: This often refers to the amount of times you can do an exercise, i.e. I can do max 20 reps of lifting a certain weight.
- Strength, weight, or resistance training: exercises are done to strengthen each muscle group. Weight lifting and exercising with stretchy resistance bands are examples of resistance training activities, as are exercises like push ups in which you work against the weight of your own body.
- Sets: This term refers to repeating the same exercise a certain number of times. For example, a weight lifter may do 10 push ups, rest for a few moments, and then perform another set of 10 more push ups.
Wherever and however you decide to exercise, it is important that you remember to both warm up and cool down. At least try and do a gentle warm up of brisk walking and stretches for 15 minutes and plenty of stretches and gentle movements for your cool down.
Holiday
Why not incorporate your new hobby with a holiday? Summer is almost around the corner and so why not grab your local Essex airport transfer to the airport, grab a flight and join an activity holiday, why not try a tennis coaching holiday? It is a great way to exercise, learn a new skill and have fun, all in the sun!