Hello! I have never really addressed the topic of fitness on my blog and being a keen sports addict I am quite surprised. I am debating about starting some sort of 'fitness series' within my blog posts, but I guess I will just have to see how things play out.
First of all, being 'fit' isn't what everyone must do, I just find it ties in nicely with all of the sport I do, considering I have to keep my stamina and strength up all year round. You should all be happy with the size and shape you are. So, just bear that in mind and please don't find these types of posts too patronizing, if you don't like to work out that's fine, or if you do but only a little that's also fine!
Anyway, I wanted to share the little ways and tips I try to keep my fitness levels quite high, saying this in no means am I a qualified fitness or health instructor though!
Knowing how and what to do
However much you think you know with fitness, there will always be so much more to learn. The most important thing is knowing where to start. Personally, I have been a very active person since a young age so I am naturally quite able when it comes to sport. Saying this, fitness and strength approached me at a whole new level, and even I struggled a little. When I reached 14, I joined my local gym, where I was taught properly how to use each piece of equipment. I must admit I am not the best at regularly working out at the gym, but I do try to go every other week for an hour or two. If joining the gym isn't suitable for you, there are many other ways you can work out at home. A personal favourite of mine is downloading fitness apps onto my phone and seeing to them every morning and evening. I particularly like using 'The Seven Minute Workout Challenge' as this is something I can do quickly before school or in the evening. There are so many apps and fitness videos out there that working out at home is so easy these days, you just have to make the effort.
Time is key
It's obvious you aren't going to see results straight away, so it is vital that you don't immediately give up after a few days when you don't see a six pack appear on your stomach. Although you may not see bulging muscles, you will however notice a difference in your mood. Exercise is a very good way of clearing your mind and de-stressing, and as time passes, you will eventually start to see your muscles beginning to tone, but that's only if you are doing all your exercises correctly.
Don't overwork your muscles
Believe it or not, you're muscles can quickly get too tired and you need to know when to stop, especially when you're new to working out and exercise. Knowing your limits is pretty essential, considering damaging your muscles is the last thing you want to be doing. It is also important that you warm up and cool down before you do any kind of intense work out. I like to run to warm up, either on the spot or on the treadmill, depending on whether I'm at the gym or just at home. It is equally just as important to cool down after you have exercised. For this, I just do a few, quick stretches such as lunges. Not only does cooling down help to steady your heart rate, but it also prepares you for your next workout session.
Stay Hydrated
Finally, water plays an essential role in exercise. Your body cries for water when you are working out, to prevent you from becoming dehydrated. This can be very dangerous, so making sure you have enough fluid in your system is vital. I like to carry a water bottle around with me and I make sure I finish the whole bottle if not two.
For now those are the only tips I'm confident enough to share with everyone, but let me know in the comments about your fitness routines or aspires, or alternatively how you feel about these kinds of posts!
