Work Out Tips

The Basics You Need to Know

The "experts" don't always agree when it comes to work out tips. This can be confusing for beginners and experienced trainers, alike. The basics in this article are intended for the beginner, but even if you have been working out for a while, you might learn something new.

Research scientists continue to study how the body works, in the hope of finding the most effective form of exercise. That's one of the reasons that advice varies. As new science becomes available, the fitness world makes changes to keep up. But, some things never change.

Maybe you've just made a New Year's resolution. You are going to get in shape and stay that way. The key is to "be consistent". Consistency pays off in making exercise a healthy habit.

When it comes to weight lifting and resistance training, it is important not to work the same body part two days in a row. But, you can and should be doing cardio on a daily basis if only for the endorphin rush! Anything that you do on a daily basis quickly becomes a habit. In this case it's a healthy habit. So, as you read these work out tips, think about when and how you will exercise every day.

It helps to make a schedule, but don't post in on the fridge. The best place to hang up your workout schedule is on the bathroom mirror, where you'll see it first thing in the morning. Try to include different exercises to create variety. For example, strength and flexibility training might include a yoga routine once a week, if you enjoy it. The importance of doing something that you enjoy cannot be overstated. That way, you'll look forward to a workout, instead of dreading it.

According to the work out tips provided by the American Council on Exercise, the group that certifies "ACE trainers", the most effective exercise routine includes strength training, at least twice a week. The duration should be at least 20 minutes, in order to “tone” the entire body.

Increasing your strength and building muscle is not just about having biceps to flex in front of your date, it's about burning fat when your body is at rest. Resting muscle cells prefer to burn fat for energy.

Interval training is an extremely time efficient and productive form of cardiovascular exercise. A basic interval training workout might be walking for two minutes, running for two minutes and alternating for an initial duration of 20 minutes. Strive to increase this duration to 60 minutes or more per day.

Doing the entire 60 minutes at one stretch is not a must. You can do thirty minutes in the morning and thirty after work. Just try to get in an hour of cardio, every day. You can aim to hit the treadmill five to six days a week with a nice walk or hike the on the seventh day. You'll feel better and look better, too.

Finally, don't forget the importance of warming up prior to your workouts and cooling down after your workouts. A warm up should last anywhere from five to fifteen minutes while a cool down should last at least five minutes to get your heart rate under control. The length of warm ups and cool downs will depend on your level of fitness.

A professional trainer can provide work out tips that are individualized. If you are just starting out, consulting a professional is always a good idea and worth the investment to set you on the right path.

back to top of page

Return from Work Out Tips to Health and Beauty Tips

Return to Life Organize It