5 Tips to Start an Exercise Routine

To start an exercise routine, the first step is definitely to want to!

Have you ever heard that old phrase that says: “where there’s a will, there’s a way”?

Already having at least the will, you’re halfway there. So, you must choose the best exercise for you and stay motivated.

Maintaining a routine can undoubtedly bring many health benefits, such as better weight control, prevention of diseases like diabetes and hypertension, improvement in mental health and memory, among others.

Overall, it improves quality of life as the person is more willing and has better self-esteem.

And in case you didn’t know, even the quality of sleep can be benefited by an exercise routine as it helps establish a sleep routine and reduces insomnia.

It should be noted that before starting any physical activity, it is recommended to undergo a medical evaluation. Now that you’ve seen some of the benefits of exercise, are you more excited to start?

So keep reading and check out 5 tips that will help you start an exercise routine in a simple way.

Start Slowly and Gradually Increase Intensity

When starting a routine, some people may get too excited and end up overdoing it unnecessarily. Remember that your body is not prepared for a very intense routine, so it’s best to gradually increase the intensity.

In the first few days, your body needs time to recover, allowing the muscles to rebuild and thus inflammation to be reduced.

Therefore, it’s best to exercise two to four days a week, 30 minutes a day. Soon, when your body is already adapted and better prepared, you can increase the frequency and intensity. Don’t rush at the beginning. Take it easy!

Set Achievable Goals

It is very important to set goals that are achievable in the short term. When we aim for very high goals, and if they are not achieved, we can feel frustrated.

Think about what you expect and want to achieve with exercise practice, whether it’s losing weight, getting in shape, toning your body, or improving your quality of life and having better health. Depending on what you’re looking for, it will be much easier to establish your routine and frequency.

Find an Exercise Buddy to Stay Motivated

Undoubtedly, having discipline and consistency when exercising is the most difficult thing for anyone who wants to maintain a routine.

That’s why it’s much better to be able to share the activity with a companion. Having someone close will make the activity much more enjoyable.

You can call a friend, family member, or even just having someone around can be great company depending on the activity.

At first, it’s great to have someone to cheer you on and give you that push you need. This way, you’ll have more motivation and desire to maintain your exercise routine.

Try Different Types of Exercise to Find What You Like Most

To maintain that daily motivation, you need to do something you enjoy and are interested in, as it’s much easier to do an exercise that brings you pleasure and isn’t done out of obligation.

To find out which type of activity is best for you, you can experiment with different types of exercises. Remember that the gym is not the only option. There are several options such:

1. cycling
2. walk
3. swimming
4. aerobics
5. to dance
6. skating
7. play soccer

Also, to avoid getting bored, from time to time you can change activities, so you’ll have new challenges and feel more stimulated.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Watching your diet is also an important part. The best thing in this case is to avoid ultra-processed foods and give preference to grains, vegetables, fruits, and vegetables.

You don’t need to make very elaborate recipes or stop eating the things you like. Just make better decisions about the foods you put on your table.