The definition of fitness is being physically sound and healthy. Having a level of fitness that is solid helps both physically and mentally. Read these tips to learn about getting healthy if you are having a hard time getting in shape.
When most people think of fitness, they think of a gym packed with elaborate weight-lifting equipment. There are actually only six exercises you need to employ to work all of the major muscle groups in your body. They include regular and handstand push-ups, bridges, squats, leg raises and pull ups.
You can substantially boost your fitness level by walking. For increased effort, walk by pushing off your heel and going to your toe. Incorporate the arms also by ending them at the elbow and moving them at the side with every step.
You can improve your chances of sticking to your fitness routine by pre-paying for a gym membership for several months in advance. Paying in advance may guilt you into going more often. This plan is designed for those who need the extra motivation.
You can remain dedicated to your fitness program by setting goals for yourself. This encourages you to move beyond obstacles instead of feeling defeated by them. Goals can also keep you motivated as they show you that you are not done progressing.
Count the calories you consume to help you stay fit. Knowing exactly how much you eat each day is important, because it helps you monitor whether you are likely to gain or lose weight. When you only use calories at your level of maintenance or lower, and you lose some while you exercise, you will find you are fitter sooner.
Proper form while walking is very important when exercising so as to reduce injury. Walk as straight as you can and make sure to keep your shoulders back. Your elbows should then be positioned at around a 90-degree angle. Your arms should be opposite of your forward foot. Make contact with the ground first with the heel, and then roll your foot onto the ground.
You can workout while watching television in order to keep up with your weight loss program. Sit-ups, leg lifts and walking in place can be done during the whole show or just during commercial breaks. Keep a set of 3lb weights beside your chair to do a little weight training as you like. There is always another opportunity to get some more exercise in.
Practice the “invisible chair” exercise to strengthen up your legs. When doing wall sits, make sure you have an empty wall, with nothing too close to your body. Then face away from the wall about 18 inches away while standing up. Lean back and bend your knees until you feel you back touching the wall. Keep bending your knees until you reach a point where your thighs and the floor are parallel. You will be in a seated position, but without a chair. Hold this position until you really can not handle it any longer.
Muscle Mass
When lifting weights, remember that more repetitions with lighter weights will add more muscle mass than doing fewer reps with heavier weights. You want to build endurance to build muscle mass. The best athletes in the world follow this rule.
As illustrated in this article, you can reach a fitness level which will make your proud of your accomplishments. You don’t need to worry about how low your level of fitness is. If you follow the information that has been provided in this article, you should be able to get the results you desire.
