HOW TO START AND STAY WITH AN EXERCISE ROUTINE

Most people want to start a regular exercise program. Whether you want to lose some weight or just improve your overall health, it's important for everyone to get a good dose of exercise every day. Here are several easy tips to help you get started with exercising.

Consult a Doctor About the Right Exercise Program for You

Simply jumping into exercising can be the wrong choice for many people and it may even be dangerous to others. To help establish the best starting exercise routine for your own specific body and health considerations, consult a doctor first. They can help you set both short term and long term goals, suggest certain types of exercise to focus on, and even provide you with detailed exercise programs to get you started without putting your health at risk.

Get in the Right Mindset

Exercise is a challenge from the very first day to when you reach your peak of physical fitness. It will take plenty of time, energy, patience and work to get the results that you desire, but everything worth getting requires some elbow grease and determination to obtain. Celebrate every little victory and never let the setbacks get you down. Always be willing to push yourself further and further. Most importantly, remember to have fun with it.

Wear the Right Clothing

Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing that is appropriate for exercising. For instance, a T-shirt and shorts are perfect for a workout, but clothing that isn't breathable or has dangling decorations isn't suitable. You should also wear durable and comfortable shoes that fit well. 

Everyone Can Find the Time to Exercise

Many people use a lack of time as an excuse for not getting into a regular exercise routine. You only need around 20 to 30 minutes a day to get in a full workout. If you're very pressed for time, you don't even need to work this into your schedule every single day. Just working out five days a week is enough to get a good healthy dose of exercise.

Find an Exercise You Enjoy and Start There

Many people make the mistake of believing that all exercise is boring, annoying or a chore. Everyone has their own specific preferences on what exercises are the most fun. Some of the more recreational exercises include biking, yoga, kickboxing, swimming and running. Research various types of exercise and see which one appeals to you the most. Try it out, and, if you truly enjoy it, make that your starting base for your future exercise program.

Don't Do It Alone

One of the best motivators to stay on track is by exercising with someone else. You can have a workout buddy, go with a group of close friends or family members, or even join a fitness class. Not only is working out with others a great motivator, but it's also a fantastic way to have more fun while working out. Exercising alone can get monotonous and boring, but working out with others can allow you to have fun conversations, competitions, races and even games.

Use Fitness Apps

There are many fitness apps available for your smartphone, and they can gauge many different aspects of your exercise routine such as steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and if you've met set goals. When signing up for a race on ITS YOUR RACE, make sure to download the free ITS YOUR RACE mobile app.

Keep Moving

You'd be amazed at how much exercise you can work into your everyday life just by moving when you'd usually be still. For example, if you're talking on the phone, jog in place or do some squats. Waiting for the washer to finish? Do some jumping jacks or crunches. Do a few stretches or lunges during commercial breaks, or park further away from the door so you'll have to walk more.  A body in motion is a body that is burning calories and toning muscles.

Remove All Distractions from Home Gym

If you already have invested in home gym equipment and want to get the most of it, place it in an area that has few distractions. Many people make the mistake of putting their exercise equipment in their living room or bedroom where it's easy to be distracted by a mess, kids or household chores. Making one room a legitimate home gym not only helps keep you on track during your exercises, but it also helps keep you motivated to do more.