When you are exercising strenuously, it is essential to keep yourself well-hydrated. Even early stages of dehydration can put stress on your cardiovascular system, impair coordination, and cloud your thinking. An easy rule-of-thumb is to drink 16 ounces of water before you begin your exercise, and then an additional 8-10 ounces of water every 15 minutes while you are exercising.
It is incredibly important to keep a fitness journal with you when you visit the gym. This can be something very simple, such as a notebook, or even a complex computer program that helps to keep track of all types of data. They will both work, it is only based on what you prefer.
If you are just starting out lifting weights, make sure you train to failure. In other words, lift weights until you can't possibly lift any more. This is a great way to jump start your body and studies have shown that new lifters can make exceptional gains with this strategy.
It is vital to start a new exercise program slowly to avoid physical injury. Most injuries typically occur by working out too much or without a properly warming up. Begin your workout by stretching to get the muscles conditioned and ready. Increase the intensity of your workout by 10 percent each week.
Rest is critical to any fitness program or regimen. Ensure that you are getting the proper amount of sleep (6-8 hours per night, depending on your particular age and body type). In addition to regular, nightly sleep, you will need to build periods of rest into your exercise schedule to avoid damaging your joints, overloading your muscles and injuring yourself.
The last 5 minutes of your workout are the most important, as you should use this time to end strong. If you feel like you are letting up, push harder so that you can finish with a bang. This extra effort, over time, will help dramatically in your overall fitness results.
It is important to know what and when to eat and drink according to the type of exercises you plan to do. If you are training with weights, you should eat a protein bar or drink a protein shake immediately after you have finished your workout. This allows your body to get the most from your fuel.
Even though staying fit can be a lot of work, it's worth the effort. Taking advantage of the tips suggested in this article will make sure that the time you spend working out pays off. Keep on trying in your quest to get in better shape. It won't be long before you see the results you've been waiting for.
