5 Simple Exercise Rules
Getting fit isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something that we should all aspire to. The term ‘exercise’ typically refers to any structured activity that a participant undertakes in an effort to develop and maintain improved fitness levels. Although you might get tired walking to and from the store every day, or pushing your hoover around the front room, this is not technically counted as exercise. Real exercise means putting time aside out of your busy schedule to commit yourself to the prospect of fitness, losing weight, or simply improving your health. From exercise bike hire to regular jogging or hitting the swimming pool for a couple of laps every day, there are various options available when it comes to getting fit, but how do you know if you’re ready to jump in at the deep end? There are some rules in exercising that are essential to follow if you’re determined to achieve success – here are our 5 simple exercise rules:
- Choose Your Exercise Type and Be Specific
The type of exercise that you take up will generally depend on your individual objective and preferences, along with some other practical considerations. For example, aerobic exercises such as swimming or walking, or pushing yourself for thirty minutes on an exercise bike can be good for maintaining health standards. However, training with resistance bands and weights are beneficial when it comes to building muscles and improving strength.
- Make Sure You Warm up and Cool Down Properly
Always start your exercise routine with a proper warm-up, lasting between five and ten minutes. Simply walking at a slow pace can help to do this, or doing the same exercise at a lighter pace. Similarly, cooling down properly is important too, as stopping too abruptly can cause blood to pool in the legs. Just start to slow down a little towards the end of your workout, for example taking your run down to a jog, then a walk.
- Make Gradual Progress
It’s important to make sure that you start off your fitness routine slowly. Start by exercising for shorter durations of time, and gradually increase the length and intensity of your workout as you notice your strength and endurance beginning to improve. This will help you to avoid injury, soreness, and increased fatigue if you’re not used to regular physical activity.
- Recognise Your Limits
Remember that everyone is different. Just because your best friend can do two hours on the exercise bike doesn’t mean that you have to. If you try and emulate someone else’s workout, then you’re more likely to injure yourself. Choose a program that you are comfortable with, otherwise you’re more likely to give up on yourself before you make any progress.
- Stay Hydrated!
This rule is essential. You need to make sure that you drink plenty of water before, after, and during your exercise routine to avoid dehydration. It can be a good idea to use sports drinks to replace the sugar and salt that your body loses through sweating, too.