Some people think that once they hit a certain point in their lives, they can no longer get into shape again. Whether they blame it on getting old or they simply think that they are beyond the point of no return, they turn away from the gym and turn to their couches. You do not need to do this. You can get into shape at any age, no matter how long it's been since you last exercised.
Improving Fitness Level – Check in with the Doctor
If it has been a long time since you've been able to work out or since you have decided to exercise, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor. You will then be able to find out whenever you have any problems you need to keep in mind as you are working out – or if you can simply start a program. Together with your doctor, you can assess your fitness level and decide what the best starting point might be for you.
Start Slowly and Build Up Your Fitness
Too often, beginners will jump into an exercise program doing more than they should. When they do try to do too much, they might end up injured or simply end up too sore. You do not have to give your all in the first workout or even in the first month of workouts. What you do want to do is to try to workout at a pace which makes you breathe a little faster and which makes your heart beat a little faster. You do not want to be out of breath or moving as fast as you can. Try walking first. Start by walking as far as you can, stop, and then the next day, try to walk one minute farther. Before you know it, you will be walking for an hour and not having any problems with it. Then, once things become too easy, then you can move onto something more challenging, like doing small jogs in between periods of walking.
Find Fitness Exercises Which Excite You
Beginners need to be excited by their exercise programs in order to stick with them. So, you do not want to choose something you will not enjoy. Instead, try a fun dance class or bring your headphones with you when you walk to listen to your favorite music. The key is to do things which make you smile and which are things you would do again and again. Beginners can feel as though fitness is far from their reach. But by starting slowly and doing activities they like, they can begin to see that exercise is not just something that can be fun, but it's something which becomes a part of their lives.
