About Exercise
Working out
should be a challenge, but it definitely should not be painful. If
you find yourself running straight for the ice packs and aspirin
after working out, you are probably doing something wrong. Before
you convince yourself you have a wonderful excuse to quit, try
evaluating your exercise program.
First,
determine if you are exercising at the proper level. A beginner
should not try to bench press 300 lbs or run the treadmill at the
highest level. Believe it or not, starting off slowly will actually
make you stronger faster, as you will avoid injuring your muscles.
Also, pain is an excellent deterrent. You should feel invigorated
and even a little sore, but ever like a mouse who has hit the wrong
feeder bar. If you are working out at a gym, ask a trainer to help
you develop a proper exercise program. If you are exercising on your
own, there is a myriad of books and resources from which to learn.
Two
important points people tend to minimize are stretching and warming
up. These are a must. The stretching before you workout should be
light, as your muscles are cold. Never bounce or be jerky. This
increases the likelihood of tearing your muscles. Warm up for about
10 minutes then stretch lightly. After working out, you can stretch
more thoroughly. It is very important to stretch the muscles you
have just worked in order get the most out of the exercise.
Stretching the muscles lengthens them and allows them to heal
stronger and be more limber. Again, never bounce or jerk while
stretching.
Proper form
is more than important, it is a must. If you are not
executing the exercise properly, you might as well not be doing it
at all. Improper form leads to injuries and an inefficient use of
the muscle and your time. Do not tweak yourself in order to do more
sets or to keep up with an aerobics instructor. It is always quality
and not quantity that will get you results. Besides, it can be quite
embarrassing to be spastically moving around or straining in an
unnatural position.
Further,
be sure that you are giving your body ample rest time between
workouts. One should not exercise the same muscles in the same
manner every day. Exercising tears down the muscles. It is the
healing of the muscles that makes them grow and become stronger. Try
working your upper body one day and your lower body the next. Or, if
you are a runner, alternate your long distance runs with weight
training or short distance runs.
Finally,
it is always important to use the proper equipment. Even if you are
working out at home, it is imperative that you have the proper
equipment. If you are doing an aerobic workout video, it may be as
simple as the right pair of shoes. If you are dead lifting 500
pounds, you will also need gloves and a back support. Do not skimp
on the equipment. It not only can aid in the prevention of injuries,
but also help you keep good form.
If after trying all
of these, you are still experiencing pain, be sure to check with
your doctor. You may be doing an exercise that is not right for your
body. Before you throw away your workout sweats and limp to your
easy chair, be sure you are exercising correctly with the correct
form and equipment. There are so many things that one can do to
exercise. Don't give up.
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