Due to the increasingly sedentary nature of modern life and unhealthy changes in the typical American diet, obesity rates have reached an all-time high. Along with decreasing self-esteem and making you feel unattractive, being overweight and out of shape can lead to a number of serious health problems. The great news is that you are never too old to start exercising. By developing an intelligent fitness regimen it is possible to get into fantastic shape, lose fat and look better than you have in years. Follow the helpful fitness tips in this article to get fit fast. You may be surprised at just how quickly you are able to up your fitness level.
Cardiovascular aerobic exercise is a key component of any good fitness plan. If you want to get in shape, you need to perform at least 3 solid cardio workouts per week. Along with burning calories and helping you lose weight, regular aerobic exercise improves your heart and lungs and even helps to improve mood and mental wellbeing. Although 3 weekly 30 to 45 minute aerobic workouts are great, ideally you want to get up and move as much as possible. Along with your regularly scheduled cardio sessions, try going for walks around the neighborhood or riding a bicycle instead of driving your car. When you are out shopping at the mall, walk up the stairs instead of taking an escalator or an elevator. These little things can go a long way towards upping your fitness level.
Many people looking to get fit concentrate solely on aerobic exercise and neglect to engage in regular strength training sessions. Strength training workouts, with free weights, your body weight or resistance exercise machines, can help to dramatically shape and tone your body. By increasing your muscle mass, you also speed up your metabolism and encourage weight loss even while resting. It only takes 2 strength training sessions per week to see great results. Concentrate on using perfect form and technique for all strength training movements that you perform. Place an emphasis on compound lifts that work multiple muscles at the same time. By training your largest muscle groups, you will see amazing results. Avoid the temptation to cheat on exercises in order to lift heavier weight. This will only lead to injury and will not build muscle. If you are a woman, do not be afraid of gaining too much muscle. The bodybuilders you see in magazines are using steroids and training specifically to get as big as they possibly can. As a natural lifter, this will not happen to you. Instead of building massive unattractive muscles, regular strength training will give you the sleek, sexy and toned fitness look that you desire. Additionally by maintaining your strength, you can avoid many of the injuries and infirmities that come with old age. So get strong, no matter how old or young you are. If you have never strength trained before, do not be intimidated by the gym. Consider signing up for a few sessions with a personal trainer so that he or she can teach you the proper form and show you the ropes.
Keep a workout journal. Studies show that people who record their training sessions are more successful at reaching all of their fitness goals.
By performing 3 weekly aerobic workouts and 2 weekly strength training sessions you can dramatically improve your fitness and get into the best shape of your life. Remember to stay positive and never give up. Good luck!