The Ultimate Beginners’ Guide to Working Out
If you are finally coming around to the idea of focusing on your New Year’s resolution of getting fit and healthy for 2019, you may be wondering where to start. The fact that fitness trends are always changing has probably put you off starting in the first place, as you just don’t know what advice to follow. And if heading to the gym and trying your luck out on a few machines doesn’t sound appealing to you, here’s how you can master the basics at home.
Invest In Some Good Quality Workout Clothes
First and foremost, you need to equip yourself with some decent workout clothes. Some basics like tank tops and socks can be purchased anywhere, but for others, you will need to spend a little more. An online site such as Splits59 can be your one-stop shop for high-quality sports bras, leggings, shorts and sweats. You will also need to go for proper fitting sports shoes if you are looking for comfort and enhanced performance. They are also vital in preventing injuries.
Choose Your Equipment
Now that you are dressed for a workout, you need a few pieces of at-home equipment to get you started. For example, a yoga mat can come in handy for many exercises, not just yoga. The extra padding that they provide is perfect for push-ups, sit-ups and any routine that involves jumping. As well as a yoga mat, it would be a good idea to buy a set of weights. Most workout DVDs will ease you into a workout but then suggest adding weights to make it more intense. Start with 5lbs and work your way up, but don’t make the mistake of getting the heaviest you can find in the hope that you will burn more calories. You might also want to purchase a medicine ball since they are great for both cardio and strength training.
Use An App
To ensure that you are getting the most from your workout and not just going through the motions, it can be a good idea to install a fitness app on your phone. There are plenty of beginner apps to choose from. Some will monitor your calorie intake, heart rate, sleep quality and more. They can even provide the option of building your own workout plan.
Learn The Terms
Once you have everything ready, you will need to learn a few terms before you begin. It’s no good buying a DVD from the latest fitness guru if you’re blinded by the fitness jargon. It will help you get to grips with the basics a lot quicker, so make sure you listen carefully to the intro or do your own research. For example, do you know what ‘rep’ means? This is short for repetition and refers to how many times you need to do a certain exercise. A ‘set’ is the number of rounds of repetitions and a ‘superset’ is when you alternate between two different exercises.
So, now you have no excuses not to get started! Let 2019 be the year you finally reach your health and fitness goals.
