With the new year started, many people have decided it’s time to start a new workout routine. Some important exercise tips for beginners include:
- Start with a proper warm-up: A proper warm-up is essential to prepare your body for the workout and to prevent injury. A good warm-up can include light cardio, such as jogging in place or fast walking, and dynamic stretching exercises.
- Set realistic goals: Setting realistic and attainable goals will help you stay motivated and on track. Start with small, achievable goals and work your way up to more challenging ones.
- Choose exercises that you enjoy: The key to a successful workout routine is to choose exercises that you enjoy. This will make it easier to stick to your routine and to achieve your goals.
- Incorporate a variety of exercises: To achieve overall fitness, it’s important to incorporate a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups and improve different aspects of fitness.
- Start with low-impact exercises: If you’re new to exercising, it’s best to start with low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints. Examples include walking, cycling, swimming or yoga.
- Focus on proper form: Proper form is important to avoid injury and to get the most out of your workout. Make sure to learn the correct form for each exercise before you start.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results. Try to work out at least 3 times a week, and gradually increase the frequency and intensity of your workouts as you become more comfortable.
- Get enough rest and recovery: While it’s important to stay active and consistent, it’s also important to give your body enough rest and recovery time. Make sure to take rest days and listen to your body when it needs to rest.
If you have experienced a work out injury or any other sports injury, call us at the Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic, 905-428-7800, to have one of our physiotherapists get you on the path to recovery.
