The first
steps to a new, fitter you
Finding it hard to take those first tentative
steps? Relax.
Follow my 10 easy steps and you'll be enjoying a fitter new
you sooner than you think.
The beginning of your running is a wonderful,
wonderful time.
But don't rush it. And take it nice and slow.
The first step is to set a
realistic goal. Something that you
can achieve by sticking to a sensible program.
Something simple like walking for 20 minutes,
four times a week
may be right for you.
If you haven't run for a long time, then that
sort of start might
just be perfect.
Step 2 is to plan how long your
program will go for. Maybe
walking for 3 weeks, then start slow jogging twice a week,
and 2 walks twice a week.
Whatever is achievable is what you should aim
for. And
consistency is the key.
Step 3 is to get the right
gear. You need good support when
you start any running. Go into a quality store and find the right
gear for you.
Step 4. Lots of
stretching. Stretch those muscles, so it's not
such a big shock when you start exercising. You'll feel a lot
better for it.
Start slow is step 5.
Unlike Fashion Police, there are no "Exercise
Police"! Take it nice and easy and you'll be amazed at how
easy,
and injury free, you achieve your goals.
I have a friend who hadn't exercised for years
and needed to lose
about 35 kgs. He started off his exercise by swimming a lap of the
pool. He swam 4 times a week and increased it by a lap a week.
He started jogging and, again, started off
jogging a few hundred
metres, with very small increases. By the end of the year he was
very fit and trim. His routine was to run the 7km to the local pool,
swim 2 kilometres, then run home!
Take it nice and slow and you will get there.
Step 6 is to drink. Nope,
not beer! Drink plenty of water when
you are exercising - it's actually a good idea to drink lots of water
anyway.
Step 7: assess how you are
doing. You might find that you hate
those early morning walks. Nothing wrong with a stroll or jog during
the evening - and it's usually a lot cooler!
Take a good look at what you eat is step
8. Your body needs fuel,
but not too much. Look upon junk food as it's equivalent in running
distance.
That Big Mac doesn't look so good when you
realise that's a wasted
5km run right there!
Step 9 is to keep
motivated. Different things work for different people.
But there is nothing better than seeing the
weight fly off, or going for
a great run, or seeing how good you look. Keep a diary of your
training
and your results. You'll be glad you did!
Step 10 is to congratulate
yourself. You are doing a great thing for
yourself. Keep going, get into a routine. You'll love the feeling
of
being fit, and you'll love the way you look and feel. well done!
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