I'm a fitness instructor. I believe that absolutely everyone should exercise. Exercising regularly benefits not just the body, but your overall health, including mental health and happiness. But sometimes the whole world of fitness can be a bit daunting considering all the different kinds of exercises and classes you see nowadays. What do you choose? What kind of training is right for you? It gets easier to decide when you know the three basic types of exercises. These are- cardio, strength
training and flexibility.
Cardio is anything that gets your heart pumping
faster. Walking, cycling, swimming are good examples of cardio.
Strength training is exercise that makes your muscles contract and increase in size. Lifting weights is a prime example of strength training.
Flexibility is any exercise that helps you stretch your muscles, like Yoga and Pilates.
Strength training is exercise that makes your muscles contract and increase in size. Lifting weights is a prime example of strength training.
Flexibility is any exercise that helps you stretch your muscles, like Yoga and Pilates.
Planning a workout routine that incorporates all these three types
of exercises is excellent for the body and your health. But if doing all three types to start with seems overwhelming for you, start with
cardio. Cardio not only helps in burning calories and losing weight, it also builds your
stamina and makes your heart stronger.
Ways you can do cardio:
1. Walking: Take a brisk walk with a friend or your music for
company.
2. Use the stairs: Forgo the elevator and use the stairs. Every
single time.
3. Swim: Go swimming in your pool or become a member of a gym
where you can use one.
4. Cycling: If you have a bicycle, cycle around town. Otherwise
your best bet is to buy a stationery bike and ride it at home, on different
gears.
5. Dance: Join a dance class. Whether it's salsa, zumba or
Bollywood, it's great to keep you moving.
6. Aerobics: Find out if aerobics classes are being offered in
your area or gym.
Strength training:
I'd advise absolutely everyone to lift weights. They don't have to
be heavy. And no, ladies, you won't bulk up. Your body is not the same as
men. Weight training helps make your muscles stronger, increases metabolism
{this means your body burns more calories even when you're idle} and increases
bone density. But don't do strength training on consecutive days. Alternate the
days as your muscles need a day in between to repair and recover.
Flexibility:
In addition to cardio and strength training, it's highly beneficial for your
muscles and joints if you incorporate yoga and/or pilates in your workout.
But again, if strength and flexibility training sound too overwhelming
right now, start with cardio. Just walking for 30 minutes every day will make a difference. Once you see your body changing and when you're
ready, add the other two to your workouts.
P.S: I've got something really exciting coming your way regarding health and fitness. Watch this space!
xoxo
Shabana
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