We all know that exercise is beneficial for us in more ways than one. However, we often tend to neglect it when we are overburdened with work and everyday obligations. After all, when the workday is over, it’s completely understandable that you don’t have the desire or energy to go to the gym. But working out is really important and starting a routine is not nearly as difficult as most people think. So, to help you chose your perfect workout regimen, try to answer these four simple questions.
How’s Your Stamina?
If you haven’t been into sports and haven’t engaged in physical activity for a while, your stamina is probably very low. If you are struggling with things like walking upstairs, riding a bike or running to catch the bus, that’s a clear sign that you are not in the best shape. In that case, you should really start doing some exercises, but first, you need to improve your stamina. For example, if you want to take up a group fitness class, you need to be aware that you might not be able to keep up, and you should first build up stamina in a class with lower requirements or on your own. Ideally, no matter what type of workout you choose, you will be working on your stamina, either by running, jogging, riding a bike, rollerblading or doing anything that keeps you active.
Do You Like Being Around People?
People are social beings, but that doesn’t mean that we want to be around other people all the time, especially when we are training. So, if you are someone who likes being around people and if you are motivated by being a part of a group, then you should definitely join a group class, go to the gym at peak hours or find a workout buddy. However, if you prefer working out on your own, feel self-conscious when around other people or want to exercise at your own pace, then you should either take private classes, or get some high-quality exercise equipment for your home and set up a routine for yourself. Working out by yourself also gives you the benefit of choosing your own hours, which is good if you can’t know for sure when you will have the time during the day to work out.
What Is Your Goal?
We all work out for different reasons. Think about what yours are. Is it because you simply want to lead a healthier lifestyle or to build up your strength and muscle mass? Do you want to join your friends in a sports team, or are you thinking of going professional? Do you want to have an amazing looking body to show off? Or do you want to spend more time with your gym rat best friend? This will all determine what kind of exercises you will be doing. If you want to build stamina, then you want something that is slow and steady, like running. But if you want to build up muscle, then weightlifting is the way to go – but don’t forget to exercise all of your muscle groups equally to build your strength proportionally. And if you want something that gives you all of this in one, then you should try CrossFit or swimming.
What Makes You Happy?
Above all, your workout routine should be something you enjoy doing. That is the only way you will truly stick to the routine. But if you haven’t been exercising for a while, answering such the question “What makes me happy?” can be tricky. On the one hand, try to remember your childhood. What did you enjoy doing most? Was it running around with your friends on a football field, or climbing trees with one particular friend? Or maybe it was dancing and playing catch? Whichever sport you used to enjoy, there’s a good chance you’ll like it again if you get back to it. However, if you try your favourite childhood sport and you don’t find it as interesting as you used to, don’t get discouraged. Check out what your friends are doing to get their daily exercise and see if you like it, or try something that you’ve always wanted to, but never had the time, money or courage before.
No matter which workout you choose, it’s important that you stick to it. The more often you do it, the easier it will get, and once you develop a routine, you won’t want to miss even a single workout. And if you feel it started getting a bit boring, then you should switch it up a bit, or switch to something else completely – whatever is needed to keep you going.
Diana Smith
is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in business and marketing related topics.
In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
