In past articles I’ve covered some of the basics of how to eat and some of the myths that you are likely to find in fitness and nutrition, this month we’re ready to begin the easy part…getting in better shape. There are many options for getting physically fit but the fundamental thing to remember is that the best step to getting in better shape is your first step, just doing something. Regular exercise for a prolonged period of time will cut your likelihood for a multitude of diseases and improve your overall life expectancy. Ideally you should be involved in exercise at a good level of activity for 30-40 minutes, 3-4 times a week, however the more the better when it comes to just getting active and not tiring yourself out too much by over doing it.
Step towards getting fitter
For many people, the thought of sitting on a stationary bike for 30 minutes staring at someone’s sweaty back or doing the same weight routine over and over would drive them mad. So I’d suggest joining a sports team, riding a bicycle or find an activity that keeps you fit and stimulates you physically (golf may be tiring but it isn’t likely to get you too much fitter, unless you walk and carry your clubs). Getting active through sports or other activities can be a great first step towards getting fitter, provided you find the right level of exercise (not what you could do when you were younger but what you can now do) and finding something that interests you. The only thing to remember is that the fitness you gain from a sport is often very specific to that sport, so you should aim for a mixture of activities that include cardiovascular exercise, some strength building component (lifting or moving your body weight, or someone else’s) and that you have fun.
Home workouts v The Gym Routine
For other “would-be exercisers”, the mere mention of going to the gym elicits screams of fear. But if you want to get in good physical shape and improve your health, then consider how viable an option is exercising at home? Well, like most options it has some very good benefits and some possible drawbacks. The ability to exercise on your own time and at your own pace is very appealing to many people looking to get fit. By working out at home or outside you don’t need to worry about some muscle bound behemoth waiting behind you to use a machine, or having to watch some pencil thin girl bounce around in Lycra. Working out without worrying about the opinion or fitness of others can be very good for the beginner, and with only a few pieces of basic equipment you can get a pretty good over all work out. However there are limits and potential dangers of working out on your own for the beginner. Safety at a gym is of high importance, not only in maintaining the equipment but also in supervision and ensuring that each new member gains a proper introduction to exercise and use of machines and weights. Doing the right exercise incorrectly may lead to serious injury so it is important that you have a good understanding of what you are doing and don’t push yourself too hard. Also, a gym will spend a lot of money on machines and equipment that can make fitness more enjoyable and effective, not to mention classes and facilities that will benefit your fitness success. While a gym may be intimidating to the beginner it will allow you to set aside a specific place and time to exercise, to ensure that you stay committed to staying fit and also offers you the facilities and staff to ensure that your experience is hopefully the safest, most effective and most enjoyable.
Should you follow the Gym Trend?
Every year in January gyms across the country see a massive influx of people bursting with resolve, ready to cast off the extra winter layers and create a new person from their not so chiselled bodies. Then suddenly, come mid February they mysteriously disappear. Most people have been members of numerous gyms or hold memberships that they never use. In fact this is one of the ways a lot of gyms make money, the mystery members who pay £20-£50 a month for the possibility that they might use their membership. There are benefits for working out on your own and from gaining your fitness through sports or hobbies. However, using a fitness centre can provide you with knowledgeable and caring staff (their job is to help, not just stand there, and if that’s all they do then you are at the wrong gym), with safe and up to date machinery and an enjoyable environment. Gyms aren’t for everyone, but there are many types catering to all kinds of people, including all female gyms and seniors’ fitness centres. If you are considering joining there are many things you should keep in mind. Most of those people who joined and never used their memberships had the best intentions but you need to be realistic when looking for a gym. It should offer things you will use, and not things that you might want to use (a pool is a great option but irrelevant if you aren’t going to use it), safe and easy to use equipment, knowledgeable staff (and great personal trainers never hurt), the gym should offer you some sort of trial to see if you’ll enjoy the atmosphere and feel comfortable there and you should look for a facility that is close to work or you home to reduce the excuses for not going. Signing up can be a serious commitment (often up to a year of guaranteed membership) so be careful and think through what’s best for you and what’s going to help you continue your progress beyond the first month.
Personal Trainers
An additional note about personal trainers should be mentioned. While it does cost money, it’s likely less than you think. If you need your car or your plumbing fixed and you’d get a professional, right? Well many personal trainers will have spent years training and thousands of pounds studying to keep on top of the fitness and nutrition industry, and can pass that experience and information on to you. Finding the right person (someone who can teach you and motivate you) can be difficult but the money you spend now will be nothing compared to the health benefits, personal progress you can achieve and the new wardrobe you’ll have too when they’re through with you.
Getting in shape isn’t easy, but it’s not as hard as you may think. Get out there and do something, get active, be safe and have fun.
