It doesn't matter if you have five, fifty or even zero pounds to lose; the more you know about fitness, the more likely you are to meet your goals, whatever they may be. Being informed about anatomy, physiology, and exercise methodology can make a huge difference in fitness program outcomes. If you want to have better results then you should take the tips in this article and use them.
You may wish to consider scheduling a few sessions with a trusted personal trainer if you are unaccustomed to a regular workout routine. A good trainer will work with you to determine your goals and problem areas and will recommend a workout program for you. You can get some extra motivation to get to a new gym with the help of a professional trainer. This is a great way to start your fitness plan off.
Plant a garden in your yard. Gardening and yard work are more demanding than you would think. There's a lot of squatting in dirt, digging, and weed pulling involved. Gardening is just one of the many things you can do at home to keep in shape.
Don't focus on just using crunches to strengthen your abdomen. It's been proven that crunches don't burn much fat; one study even resulted with only one pound burned after 250,000 total crunches! If you are doing them, you should consider doing something else. Use other exercises to get the best results on your abs.
Are you short on exercise time? Break up the workout into two separate routines. You do not have to increase the amount of time you are working out, just divide it in two. If you're trying to jog an hour a day, try doing a half hour right when you get up and another 30 minutes at the end of the day. With two smaller workouts, you also have the flexibility to do one in the gym and one outside or at home.
There is no need to fear. Biking is a great low impact alternative to running. Bike to work as a healthy alternative to driving. A commute of 5 miles should equate to about a 30 minute bike ride. Since it is a two way trip, you get a double benefit: an hour of fitness exercise.
Strength Training
Document every step. Write down every exercise you do and every morsel of food you put into your body. Even keep track of the day's weather and your feelings that day. This can help you reflect on anything that affected your day. If you could not exercise on certain days, record the reason.
The frequency of your strength training regimen depends solely on your goals. If you want to get bigger and stronger muscles, you should do strength training exercise sessions less often. Yet in order to get leaner you are going to want to do more strength training workouts.
Wall sits are a quick and easy way to build leg strength. To start, look for an open wall space that is wide enough to accommodate your body. Eighteen inches is a good distance away from the wall. Bend your knees while leaning backwards, until your back is flat against the wall. Continue bending your knees so that your thighs become parallel to the floor and you find yourself in a crouched position, just off the floor. Maintain this position until you can no longer stand.
Whether you are basketball player or a grandma who is just getting into fitness, the preceding tips will help you get fit quickly and effectively. Being educated and knowing the proper way to exercise and keep fit can really give your workouts a much needed boost. Keep in mind all the information you have learned, and you will soon see results.
For someone who demands significant, sustainable results, a personal trainer is well worth the investment. A personal trainer will have professional insight and will give you motivation to stick to your exercise routine. Some people may not like having a personal trainer, but for some, it makes all the difference in the world.