H
huski
Guest
1. Overcome Barriers
Before setting yourself an exercise program, you need to address all the reasons that will stop you from doing it!
I'm too busy - don't have enough time
It's all a matter of priorities really... If something is important enough to you, you will make time for it.
I am embarrassed about the way I look when exercising
Find a friend to do it with you. Exercise at home.
I'm afraid of injury
Many people start out and do too much in too little time. Find exercise that suits you - and begin with something gentle (i.e. walking).
I don't have access to any fitness equipment
Walking is something that can be done anywhere, as is home exercise videos.
I'm too overweight to exercise
Over time physical activity will become easier. Some exercises are more suited to larger bodies than others (such as swimming, walking, treadmills, and elliptical trainers).
2. Make A Plan
If possible, make a plan of exercise goals, a basic timetable of when, where, and how, you will stick to it.
3. Phasing In
Start with whatever you can achieve. Aim for 20 minutes of walking. If you can't achieve this, then stop when you can. Your goal is to walk 20 minutes a day for 5 days a week. Make sure you have good shoes! This can make all the difference. If you are not used to exercising, your joints and muscles will take a short while to get used to it.
4. Mixing It Up
The human body is remarkably adaptable. The best way to keep your exercise efforts functional is to add variety. Here are some other cardio alternatives:
Walking
Many people find that a pedometer is a useful tool to have while walking. A pedometer will track your steps and help you to set goals each walk. The pedometer can be strapped to your waistband, and will count your steps. Aim for a weekly increase of 500-1000 steps. Expect to pay between $20-40 for a reasonable pedometer.
Swimming
This can be a low-impact exercise that has minimal impact upon your joints. Swimming strengthens the upper body as well as involving the lower body.
Jogging
Very popular form of exercise, but not particularly well suited to you if you are a larger person. Jogging and running place significant stresses on bones and joints. However it is one way to fit more exercise in a shorter space of time! Stretching is essential.
Cardio Equipment
One of the most popular methods of exercise today is by using fitness equipment. Treadmills, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, and stationary bicycles are just some of the options available.
Most of this equipment is available in you local gym or fitness center. However for many of us, going to these places can be disconcerting. Purchasing your own equipment is an option.
Before setting yourself an exercise program, you need to address all the reasons that will stop you from doing it!
I'm too busy - don't have enough time
It's all a matter of priorities really... If something is important enough to you, you will make time for it.
I am embarrassed about the way I look when exercising
Find a friend to do it with you. Exercise at home.
I'm afraid of injury
Many people start out and do too much in too little time. Find exercise that suits you - and begin with something gentle (i.e. walking).
I don't have access to any fitness equipment
Walking is something that can be done anywhere, as is home exercise videos.
I'm too overweight to exercise
Over time physical activity will become easier. Some exercises are more suited to larger bodies than others (such as swimming, walking, treadmills, and elliptical trainers).
2. Make A Plan
If possible, make a plan of exercise goals, a basic timetable of when, where, and how, you will stick to it.
3. Phasing In
Start with whatever you can achieve. Aim for 20 minutes of walking. If you can't achieve this, then stop when you can. Your goal is to walk 20 minutes a day for 5 days a week. Make sure you have good shoes! This can make all the difference. If you are not used to exercising, your joints and muscles will take a short while to get used to it.
4. Mixing It Up
The human body is remarkably adaptable. The best way to keep your exercise efforts functional is to add variety. Here are some other cardio alternatives:
Walking
Many people find that a pedometer is a useful tool to have while walking. A pedometer will track your steps and help you to set goals each walk. The pedometer can be strapped to your waistband, and will count your steps. Aim for a weekly increase of 500-1000 steps. Expect to pay between $20-40 for a reasonable pedometer.
Swimming
This can be a low-impact exercise that has minimal impact upon your joints. Swimming strengthens the upper body as well as involving the lower body.
Jogging
Very popular form of exercise, but not particularly well suited to you if you are a larger person. Jogging and running place significant stresses on bones and joints. However it is one way to fit more exercise in a shorter space of time! Stretching is essential.
Cardio Equipment
One of the most popular methods of exercise today is by using fitness equipment. Treadmills, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, and stationary bicycles are just some of the options available.
Most of this equipment is available in you local gym or fitness center. However for many of us, going to these places can be disconcerting. Purchasing your own equipment is an option.