How to Exercise and Enjoy it
There are three key elements that are important
to make any exercise program successful. These
elements are safety, effectiveness and enjoyment.Safety:
The “No pain, no gain” theory is a myth. Avoid
any exercise that causes pain or undue discomfort.
If pain occurs in the neck or chest area, stop
exercising and if necessary, seek medical attention.
General muscle soreness is another matter, especially
for the beginner. You can expect some soreness
but it need not be excessive.A personal trainer
will design an exercise program for you and your
current fitness level. As your fitness level increases,
your program will be adjusted to keep up with
you.
Too much too soon will only undermine your efforts.Using
proper form, technique and avoiding high-impact
will keep your exercise program safe. A strain
in your lower back, shins, calves, ankles and
knees are predictable results of improper form.
Repetitive, jarring movements should be avoided
for general fitness. If you feel a strain, please
let your trainer know. We don’t always know
if you don’t tell us.Don’t bounce or force
stretching movements. Quick, pulsing movements
while stretching can result in muscle strain and
tears. Static movements that gradually extend
muscles through the full range of motion until
you feel resistance is the stretching to use for
general fitness.
Stretching will also decrease the likelihood
of injury and soreness.Effectiveness: Effective
exercise does require effort, but those who say
it must hurt are wrong. The level of exercise
is determined by your fitness level and goals.
The fuel source for the body during low to moderate
aerobic exercise is fat. If burning excess body
fat is your current fitness goal, stick to the
recommended exercises and intensity levels to
receive maximum results. As your fitness level
increases, so will the formula for your program.
Intensity, weight, repetitions and rest periods
will all be adjusted as you progress.Proper warm
up before exercising and cool down afterward is
essential to avoid injury and achieve peak performance.Enjoyment:
It has been said that nobody will exercise just
because it is good for them.
We need additional motives or goals that mean
something to us and that will come as a result
of regular exercise.It is important to identify
your goal so your exercising effort is focused
on your goal(s) to keep motivated. The more motivating
your exercise becomes the more enjoyable it will
be. More enjoyment produces more consistent and
greater results!So how do you make exercise fun?
First of all, stop thinking of it as exercise
and start thinking of it as play. You remember
play: those activities you enjoyed as a child.
Turn exercise into play! Usually, play involves
interaction with friends and variety.
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