Its summertime and you’re starting to realize you need to work off some of those “winter” pounds. But where do you start? Home gym? Gym membership? Fitness center? Recreation Center? Personal trainer? Before you whip out your credit card and pay the first down payment on your physical fitness, consider the following steps to take in assessing your next step: Goal, budget, routine and equipment.
Goal – What’s my “goal”? Am I trying to get in shape for now or am I making a lifestyle change? If you’re trying to “get in shape” then just start a walking, biking and home exercise routine. Fitness needs to become a lifestyle change if you want to see your body respond as desired. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get in shape, staying fit through a planned fitness regiment (at home or at the gym) is a more desirable goal. Once you answer this question for yourself then start the process of choosing your fitness routine and direction. You don’t need a personal trainer or membership somewhere to tell you how to start a basic fitness routine (30-45 minutes of aerobic activity a day is a great place to start!).
Budget – What’s my “budget”? Most memberships require an upfront membership fee (can range from $30-100) with an annual contract. Some will allow you to join for free (during their slower months) and pay month to month. Before you dive into a long term contract consider a month to month agreement to see if the program is suitable for your needs. The best time to join a gym/fitness program is during the summer months.
Routine – This is the number one place where most of us fail; routine. If you’re trying to start a “routine” (after not having one at all) remember that whatever you’re trying to do needs to be part of your daily “lifestyle”. Just like coffee is part of your morning routine, exercise needs to be part of your daily routine. Exercise should NEVER be something you have to do but something you WANT to do, daily.
Equipment – An elliptical machine provides one of the best overall workouts. Thirty to forty-five minutes a day is a good start and a manageable time for anyone. Hand weights, ranging from two-ten pounds, are all you really need to start building/toning muscle. A bench, floor matt and fitness ball are great items to help make your workout routine portable and challenging. Instead of paying full price, buy used equipment that’s in excellent condition; you’ll pay a fraction of the price. My husband, Doug, bought most of our equipment through the Trading Post and Classified Ads section of the newspaper. After you’ve started a daily routine, start adding some other small portable items that can “travel” with you as needed (i.e. jump rope, exercise ball, ankle weights, pedometer, etc.). Invest in a good pair of walking and work out tennis shoes. I recently paid $70 for two pairs, valued at $180.00 from a place called “Off Broadway” shoes near Lynnhaven Mall, in Virginia Beach, VA. I received a voucher for $15 off my next purchase. You can’t beat that!
Exercise and fitness is reported to influence only “twenty percent” of your overall wellness; I disagree. When I workout I not only feel better, I perform better all day long (emotionally and physically). For me, fitness is an equal component in my overall wellness goal. Without it, I feel incomplete.
Quick tip for wellness: Daily fitness is an equal part of wellness.
No comments:
Post a Comment