Maximize Your Fitness Experience

Proper preparation for a new fitness  program is necessary in order to achieve the best fitness results possible.  The following tips will help you to stay consistent and achieve any fitness goals you set out to achieve.

Prior to beginning an exercise program, speak with our physician, especially if you have a medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, are overweight, sedentary, over 55 years old, have any heart problems, knee/shoulder problems, and/or have a history of heart disease in your family

Think S.M.A.R.T. ….  Set specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time oriented goals.  Write them down, and keep them someplace visible.  On your fridge for example.   Remember to reward yourself when you achieve S.M.A.R.T. goals

Wear comfortable clothing that will absorb perspiration.  Choose clothing that won’t restrict your movement, and remember that this is about fitness, Not fashion !!!!!!  Wear athletic shoes that provide plenty of support.  Dress for the climate.

Even though we all lead busy lives, to prevent you from being too “busy” this week for fitness, choose and schedule times to work out that fit into our daily routine at the beginning of the week.  There really isn’t any time of the day that’s better than another, but it does help to pick a time when you usually feel you have more energy and your schedule allows it.

Measure your progress by tracking your workouts in a notebook.  It will help you to challenge yourself to do more in your program, and will also allow you to see the progress you’re achieving and give you a record so you know when to build variety and progression into your routine.

Want to avoid pain… after your workout, finish with a cool down phase of 5 – 10 minutes of light cardio.  This will help prevent muscle soreness over the next few days,  its also a great time to add some stretching into your program.

Consistency is the key with any fitness program to achieve lasting, long term results.  Begin with small steps, and keep moving forward with your workouts.  If you miss a workout one day, go the very next chance you get.

Be sure not to go overboard with your workouts. Exercise is like anything else, too much of a good thing can defeat the purpose of you workouts.  Allow your body to have adequate rest, a good night’s sleep on a consistent basis, and a vary your workouts so that you don’t suffer from repetitive use, injuries.

If you are not sure about starting a good workout program, ask your favorite Hamilton Personal Trainer or book a consultation with Fitness Consultant, Leslie at (905) 577 – 0626