Your first steps on the path to fitness
So you’ve decided to start working out. Good on you. Start by setting yourself some long and short-term training goals. Write them down and read them often so you don’t start slacking off. Your answers to the following questions will help you shape your goals and then your body!
Why do you want to exercise?
Better health? You’ve made a bet with your partner that you’re going to fit into last century’s jeans? Injury rehabilitation? Body sculpting? Increased muscular strength? Sport specific training? The doctor said do it or die? Peer pressure? Sick of sitting on the sofa getting fat? No energy to do the things you love? Whatever the reason, write it down and look at it often, especially if you’re feeling unmotivated.
How fit are you in relation to other people your age?
Be honest – because then there’s heaps of room for improvement!
Next chose the exercise program that suits you
1.The general exercise program combines both an aerobic (endurance) component with a weight bearing or strength building component and would suit those who are exercising due to peer pressure, a doctor’s recommendation, a need for extra energy to cope with daily tasks or just to improve your general health.
2. Aerobic program is designed to maintain an elevated heart rate throughout the exercise session to maximise energy consumption and encourage the body to burn up some of its extra energy stores (fat). Aerobic training is good for increasing cardiovascular fitness level (improved blood circulation and heart function) and weight loss. You must monitor your goals carefully though, to ensure that you stay on track.
3. Resistance training program is for those people requiring sport-specific training or increased muscular strength. Once again, it is important to monitor your goals in order to remain focussed and on track.
4. Combine aerobic and resistance training programs when you are already training and have targeted body sculpting as your goal. Follow a combination of resistance and aerobic exercise while placing the emphasis on those areas that you wish to change the most. However, remember that the body must be trained as an integrated unit.
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