Starting out on your fitness journey can be daunting. Whether you are getting back into working out or trying it seriously for the first time, the exercise options available are overwhelming. How do you choose the best workout for you? We’ve got you covered. Here are the top factors to consider when picking the perfect workout for you.
What are your goals?
Do you want to lose fat, build serious muscle, or simply work on your physical health? Different goals require different exercise approaches. If you are looking to burn fat, your first port of call should be cardio. That’s exercise like running, swimming, cycling, rowing. Raising your heart rate and getting a sweat on is a simple indication that you are torching calories. If you want to build muscle and become bigger, you should concentrate on lifting weights and building up your calorie intake. Book in an induction to your gym so you can get started using all the weights equipment effectively. Of course, the two can be interchangeable, and for overall physical health, you should do a mixture of both. Complimenting your weights regime with short blasts of cardio can help strip fat and show off your newly built muscles effectively. Likewise, including elements of weight training alongside your cardio will help to keep you toned and burn calories way beyond your workout.
What do you enjoy?
To create an effective routine, there must be an element of enjoyment. Plus, it makes your workouts more fun! If you are struggling to think of a workout you enjoy, consider the activities you liked as a kid. Did you enjoy dance or football? You could join a team or regular class to capitalise on this nostalgia while you are getting fit. There is nothing wrong in trying out a different exercise style each week to see what fits you best. You’ll still be building up your fitness levels and getting into a routine of working out regularly.
What are your strengths?
Being self-aware is really important to lock down your perfect workout. For example, if you have a short attention span but can really push yourself, you are likely to find a HIIT workout perfect. Equally, if you are very social and dislike working out solo, you would probably benefit from booking some classes or joining a sports team. If you are someone that likes to switch off, you could set up a podcast or series on your iPad and hit the treadmill. You may find as you become more established in your workout routine that you want to branch out, and find other styles of exercise far more doable than they were previously.
What resources do you have?
If you have a membership to a fully equipped gym, you should have everything you need to embark on a workout routine. If you do not have access to a gym, you will still be able to do plenty of cardio and resistance exercises at home. Your physical resources are also important to consider. You should be doing a workout that challenges you and leaves you feeling tired after you have completed it. However, you should listen to your body and not push yourself to injury. Build up your workout difficulty gradually, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can improve.
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
