Let’s start off by reminding ourselves that staying in shape is sometimes not easy or fun. Although that is true, it is still important since it helps you stay healthy. Luckily, you don’t need to approach it in any extreme fashion. All you need to do is come up with a plan and follow through with it. You may find it’s even fun!
Make sure that you drink a minimum of sixty-four ounces of water each day to insure that your body stays properly hydrated. You should also drink an additional sixteen ounces of water for every hour of moderate or high intensity workout that you perform. You don’t want to risk your body becoming dehydrated.
If you’re working on your overall fitness with running and are looking to increase your stamina, pick up the speed. If you avoid lengthening your stride and rely instead on taking quicker short steps, your body will acclimate to harder training quicker. You’ll be prepared for your next marathon in no time!
Stretch those muscles. Your muscles have to get stretched for longer periods of time as you get older. Aging causes muscle density to decrease, as well as a decrease in pliability. Under 40 years old? Hold stretches for about 30 seconds. Over 40? Stretch for about a minute. You’ll feel more flexible and limber this way.
Remember that your fitness needs change as you age, especially regarding flexibility. When you reach middle age, you need to devote even more time to stretching before and after your workout. This helps keep your muscles pliable and prevents cramping after workouts as well as helping reduce the risk of injury.
Improving your strength is important while trying to get fit. Lifting heavy weights for shorter periods of time is better for the muscle and it will lessen the chance of getting muscle strain. This applies to running as well. Running harder for shorter periods, with breaks, will help you get stronger in a safe and healthy way.
Keep a nice upbeat pace when cycling. Try to keep your pace between 80 and 110 rpm. This will help you ride longer without becoming too tired since you are not going too fast. You can keep track of this number while riding by counting how many times one of your feet’s pedal hits the top in 10 seconds. Then take that number and multiply it by 6 to get your pedal rpms.
If you want to see immediate improvements in your bench press, try doing bench presses while looking at your dominant hand. Doing this will allow you to be able to lift more weight. However, you should never turn your head because this could cause injury. Instead, use your peripheral vision.
Train similar to a Kenyan if you want to maximize your level of endurance. The Kenyans have a particular way of training, which starts off with a slow run for the first third of the course. Your pace should become quicker toward the middle of your run. In the middle third, run at your normal pace. When you reach the final third of your run, your speed should be your fastest pace. This technique will help you develop your endurance and speed.
Most people know the importance of stretching before a workout, but many do not hold their stretches long enough. Younger people should opt for a minimum of 30 seconds for each stretch. When you are topping 40 it becomes important to hold for at least 60 seconds because muscles are less pliable as we age. Allow time in your routine for full stretching.
When you are developing a workout routine, make sure that you focus on one specific area on your body if you want to get maximum results. This will give you the ability to aim for quality over quantity and can help to get you to where you want to be in your program.
Try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week. Exercise increases blood flow and can help maintain skin cells as blood transports oxygen and nutrients to the skin and removes waste build up. Exercise can also reduce stress which can cause acne. Just make sure that you shower after any exercise as sweat left on the skin can irritate acne.
It is important to stretch your tight muscles rather than your more flexible ones. This is because the flexible muscles are ready to handle whatever workout routine you may follow, while the tighter muscles are not. It is recommended that you spend twice as much time on your tight muscles than your flexible ones.
Once you begin running long distances, remember that your shoes are like tires for a high-performance sports car, which means, they wear out fast! You should replace your running every 500 miles for best performance. This is a serious concern if you are a serious runner and long before they fall apart, running shoes lose their cushioning ability. Using worn-out running shoes puts your joints at risk of injury.
Try not to work out your lower and upper extremities on the same day. This can cause injuries or muscle strains. Instead work on your upper body one day, and your lower body the next day. For instance, if you work on your legs today, work on your arms tomorrow.
When working out, do not forget about your trapezius muscle, a muscle that runs from the back of the neck to the upper part of your shoulders. Working on this muscle can help upper back and neck pains. You can work on these muscles by holding dumbbells to your sides as you stand with your feet apart. Gradually bring up your shoulders and hold it that way for 8 seconds before releasing.
A good fitness tip is to keep your muscles limber. A good way to achieve this is to hold your stretches for 30 seconds if you are under 40 years old. If you are over 40, hold them for 60 seconds. This will help to make the muscles less pliable.
With the right attitude, getting in shape doesn’t have to be a miserable pursuit. You should not have to begin your path to good fitness all alone. Assistance is available, but you have to take the initiative.