It's that time of year again when the days are longer and our sweaters are put away for the season. It's the perfect time to get back into a workout routine if you have fallen off the saddle! Hit the ground running with a healthy start by "spring cleaning” your fitness routine, workout clothes, and your pantry. Below are some simple tips to get you started:
Book a Physical
Only about 20 percent of Americans get an annual physical. While you might look and feel fine, it is important to be aware of things like blood pressure and cholesterol before planning your workout program. Plus it’s a great way to see how you have progressed over time and identify health trends.
Set a Schedule, Be Realistic
If you haven't been exercising as much, do not plan to do a workout for an hour a day, seven days a week. You will only get frustrated and burn yourself out. Instead plan to work out two to three times a week for 30 minutes and progress from there.
Team Up with a Friend
You are more likely to stick with your routine if you have a workout partner. Choose someone who has similar goals and who has a workout schedule like yours. You are more likely to succeed if you try to work out at the same time each training session.
Clean Out Your Pantry
Do you have popcorn leftover from the holidays or chocolates from Valentine's Day? Toss them! While you are at it, throw out other foods low in nutritional value, such as chips, cereals high in sugar, and those 100 calorie snack packs (remember junk food is still junk food).
Update Your Workout Wardrobe
Throw away your old, worn-out workout attire (you know the ones with a couple of pieces of fabric holding it together) and replace them with shorts and shirts made with breathable fabrics. While you're at it, get some new shoes that are designed for being active. The team at The Shop at The Houstonian can assist you with appropriate workout attire for your level of activity!
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential to avoid muscle cramping and fatigue. You can accomplish this by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. Remember, the more you sweat, the more fluids you need to replace.
Step Off the Scale
Most of you are probably aware that muscle weighs more than fat. So, there is no need to panic if you are not be shedding the pounds as you expected. An accurate way to measure your progress is to have your body fat measured with a Houstonian Club Personal Trainer or use measuring tape to see where you are losing inches.
Sign Up for a Race
Adding specific goals to your fitness routine will make you feel better and add purpose to your training beyond appearance or vague targets. Look into local races such as a 5k (great for beginners).
Always Reward Yourself
Don't forget to take care of your body after all the hard work! Book a massage at Trellis or with our Massage Therapist, Carey Wallace, or try M.A.T. – this will help speed up muscle recovery.
Good luck and best wishes with your spring workout routine. If you are having problems with getting started, please contact a Houstonian Club Personal Trainer. Personal trainers are an excellent resource to help put together a plan that works for you and keeps you accountable and motivated!
By: Chad Fuqua
Houstonian Club Personal Trainer
Source: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2018/annual-physical-possibly-unnecessary.html