Getting Started on an Exercise Training Program
There is plenty of advice from the experts touting the benefits of physical activity today. Whether you are hearing it from the American Heart Association, the food pyramid from the US Department of Agriculture or your own doctor, exercise is a necessary component to a healthier lifestyle. You know you need to get fit, but you have no idea how to get started. The good news is that there are a few basic principles to a complete exercise training program that will get you started on the right sneaker-clad foot and keep you in the game for a healthier lifestyle.
See your Doctor
Before you decide to walk that first mile, walk in to your doctors office for a thorough checkup. It is very important to get your doctor's okay before starting any type of exercise training program, since some medical conditions may determine the type of workout that is safest for you. For example, people with high blood pressure may have to modify the way they complete their strength training workout, and those with a bad back or knees may be better off selecting particular types of aerobic activities than others. You doctor is your first point of information about the exercise training program that will be right for you.
See a Personal Trainer
Personal trainers are no longer limited to the fitness world of the rich and famous; today you can find these professionals in most fitness centers and gyms with reasonable fees and a wealth of information for the average Joe. It is a good idea to hire a personal trainer at least for the beginning of your exercise training program, to help you set up the best workout system for you and show you how to safely and effectively use all of the fitness equipment at your local gym. Some people find that by continuing to work with a personal trainer, they are much more likely to stick with their exercise training program and meet the goals that they have set for themselves.
A Few Basics
The most effective exercise training program will consist of a combination of cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility workouts. Cardiovascular exercise should be done for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Strength training should never be done on back-to-back days, since muscles need time to rest and rebuild after a weight session. Two to three times a week is sufficient for your strength training program. Flexibility work can be done as often as you do your cardiovascular program, preferable after the aerobic workout when muscles are warmed up and will stretch more easily. By following this basic program for your exercise training program, you will have most of your fitness needs well covered.
