Aerobics, folks, are a great way to get yourself moving, your heart rate pumping and to improve your overall physical condition and lose weight. But before you start your new aerobics or cardio routine, there are some things you’ve just got to keep in mind.
As with any other exercise, always check with your doctor before you start a new routine.
Dedicate some time
You will need to dedicate time regularly to see results. Healthline suggests you aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five days each week or three days of more intense activity in 25-minute sessions (https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-work-out#2).
It may seem as if you just don’t have that extra time each week, but if you review your schedule, you’ll probably find a way to make it work. Cutting out a half an hour of TV or web surfing time is worth it for your health. You’ll have to experiment to discover which time of day is best for you to exercise. Some people, for example, find workouts before bed to be a great way to help them sleep, while others may feel too energized afterward to get a good night’s sleep later.
Choose your exercise
Pick your poison, so to speak! If you’re pretty new to cardio in general or haven’t done it in a long time, start with lower-impact activities such as biking, swimming, step aerobics, walking or Pilates. This will reduce strain on your joints and help prevent injury. Nothing is worse than being motivated to start a new workout routine only to hurt yourself from overexertion on day three. If you can, try to find a workout partner. This will keep you motivated, and you can learn some new routines when you’re ready.
Change it up
Once you’ve consistently exercised for a month or two and you feel like the workout has become easier, it’s time to switch up your routine to challenge your body. If you were walking, for example, add jogging in short intervals into your regular walk. Do this until you are able to jog the entire time you used to walk.
Changing your routine is key to improving your health and keeping your interest. If you do the same thing for too long, your body will become accustomed to it, and it stops being much of a workout. You’ll also become very bored with what you are doing, which will definitely put a dent in your motivation to keep working out.
