So you want to start the New Year with an exercise routine, good for you!
The key to creating a long-term habit of exercise is to choose the right level of intensity for your mind and body.
Basically, if you’ve been a couch potato for the last five years, it would be half-assed crazy stupid foolish to start working out hard-core six days a week (and I mean half-assed crazy stupid foolish in the most loving way!).
Too Much Too Soon = Burnout
Simply put, your body is not ready for extreme change all at once. Yes, you can get there eventually, but it’s not safe to dive into Crossfit classes six days a week when you haven’t even walked around the block in six months.
The likelihood of injury is very high when you don’t have as much strength, flexibility or body awareness as you used to. Not only that, but your brain is going to become exhausted and burnt out with too much change, and it won’t be long until you’re right back where you started: on the sofa. But this time, your ankle is wrapped because you strained it and you can’t straighten your leg because you pulled your hamstring!
Start Out Slow
The government officially recommends that we get 30 minutes of moderate exercise, 6 times a week. It says “moderate,” not even vigorous. That means movement like walking, stretching, or body weight exercises are appropriate and entirely acceptable. Start here and then progress to the harder stuff when you are physically and emotionally ready.
Can you even touch your toes? That would be a great place to start.
If you’re already doing some sort of exercise, this still applies to you. When you’re ready to amp it up, just kick things up a notch. One notch, not five notches. Choose a goal that will push you just enough.
Before you begin your new routine, ask yourself the following questions:
1. When was the last time you exercised?
2. If you’ve stopped, why did you stop? If you’ve been consistent, how long have you been at this level of intensity?
3. How do you feel about exercise? Do you look forward to it, or it is a chore?
Keep in mind that exercise is not a magic eraser for the French fries and hamburger you had for dinner last night. Exercise will never make the calories you ate disappear; it is simply a bonus-extra credit-for your body and health on top of your healthy diet.
How are you ramping up your exercise routine?
Christie Miller offers a balanced approach to healthy living through diet, fitness and life coaching. She does not believe in deprivation, forbidden foods or spending hours upon hours in the gym. Living healthy and happy is all about moderation in all things. Christie is certified in nutrition, personal training and life coaching.
She gives you the tools to guarantee you never fail at dieting again in her 5-part video series Why Dieters Fail. Grab it for free at http://www.EatTrainWin.com
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Christie_A._Miller/1878553
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