2022 is here and if you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to get into shape, you’re not alone. Exercise is an essential part of maintaining proper health and has an abundance of great benefits. Not only does exercise strengthen bones, improve blood circulation, regulate weight and enhance muscle tone, but it also helps your body release endorphins to boost your mood and make you feel great.
However, if you’ve never gotten into the habit of consistent exercise or if it’s been a while since you’ve last worked out, it can be a little challenging getting into the groove of it. Below, we listed tips on how to ease into exercising whether you’ve taken a long break or you’re just starting out:
Start small and easy
Try not to push beyond your limits and overexert yourself. Start off with a basic routine consisting of simple cardio exercises and strength training using light weights. Be gentle with yourself and take as many breaks as needed. Listen to your body and move at your own pace; once you feel comfortable adding more on, gradually start to increase intensity and incorporate more challenging exercises.
Find the right workout for you
You’re more likely to stay motivated and actually look forward to working out once you find the right workout suitable for you. Whether you’re interested in yoga, weight training, spinning, boxing, HIIT, or a combination of any of these, there are tons of workout options available and you’re bound to find the perfect one for you.
Stay hydrated
Maintaining healthy hydration levels and drinking water is important, especially if you plan on exercising. When you exercise, your body loses water through sweat and it’s crucial to replace this fluid to prevent dehydration and its negative side effects. So be sure to drink water before, during, and after each workout.
Remember to stretch
Regular stretching keeps muscle fibers strong, flexible, and healthy. Stretching can improve performance as well as lower the risk of injuries and pulled muscles. It’s a great exercise on its own, but you can also incorporate stretching into your warmup and cooldown routines for any type of workout.