You may be wondering how to start exercising and what the best activities are. Depending on your physical fitness, you are going to want to take things slow. It’s not just about starting this journey but doing it consistently. Here are some simple steps to get you started on your path.
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Walking for 30 minutes
Walking for 30 minutes is one of the best ways to start exercising. It’s simple, straightforward, and you can do it almost anywhere. The great thing about walking is that it is easy for most people. You can workout at home, work, or even the grocery store; just make sure not to walk-in traffic. Looking for more of a challenge? Try jogging or running. If you are worried about your knees hurting after running, just stick to walking and try using ankle weights to still challenge yourself.
Swimming
Swimming makes your body feel weightless and is easy on your joints. However, it is a full-body workout and a great way to start exercising. Although this a perfect exercise for anyone, this may be suitable for the elderly or those who don’t work out much. You can do things like water aerobics, treading water 30 minutes at a time, or doing laps in the pool. In any case, your full body will be in motion and that can help you attain a healthy lifestyle easier. It’s a starting point and an activity that will be low impact on your body.
Dancing
Want to start exercising and pick up a new skill? Try Dancing! Dancing is fun and gets your heart pumping. It can be easy for those who enjoy group activities and move to the music. If you are interested in learning how to dance this may be the perfect opportunity to match a hobby with staying fit. You can work your way from a Waltz to Salsa dancing or break dancing. It may surprise you just how exhausting dancing can be after a couple of minutes, but it’s a skill you can take anywhere. If you join a group class, it won’t necessarily be a quick workout, but you will have an instructor who can help you establish the fundamentals so you can practice at home.
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to start exercising and it can be done at home or at a gym. All you need is a Yog Mat and you are ready to go. You can also download a Yoga app for guidance to workout from home. There are several degrees of Yoga and they all require different levels of fitness. Start slow, and build up to a more taxing level. Yoga also focuses on things like mindfulness and meditation which can make workouts stress free and help clear your mind. If you want to start exercising and deal with stress try Yoga.
Jump Rope
Everyone has jumped rope at least once in their lives. It’s fun, simple, and very cheap to start. Jump rope workouts can be tailored to your fitness level and work on balance and coordination. It’s a great cardio workout that is designed to help you lose weight. Combine it with walking to give yourself even more of a challenge.
Bodyweight exercises
Types of bodyweight workouts you can complete are pushups, situps, crunches, jumping jacks, squats, and burpees to name a few. All of these activities will help build strength and get your heart rate pumping. However, they are not easy to complete, especially if you are obese. You are lifting your entire body with every move so be careful. Getting form and routine right is key to success when training with your body. Make sure to stretch before performing bodyweight training. These exercises are great if you don’t have much time and want to get as many reps in as possible.
Playing a Sport or Going Outdoors
Joining any group activity like a softball team or flag football team is going to get you moving. It’s a great way to start exercising because you aren’t doing physical activity alone. Usually, you make friends and relationships that keep you wanting to come back and be physically active. Outdoor activities can also be great, except you can do them alone or in a group. Join an archery or gardening club. Try a group hike at your local park. Getting outside to workout also has the effect of exposing you to the sun, which is healthy for you mentally and physically.
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