Tips to Consider When Embarking on an Exercise Routine

Are you interested in getting in shape? Many of us make the decision to lose weight but can quickly feel overwhelmed by the idea of getting started. Exercising need not be an intimidating venture! It’s a great way to get healthier and happier, so continue reading for some important things to consider as you decide on an exercise routine that’s right for you.

First and foremost, it is very important to realize that your weight loss efforts depend on both the amount you exercise as well as what you eat. A common trap we can often fall into is believing that because we are exercising more, we can eat more. We deserve it, right? Don’t let this belief torpedo your efforts to lose weight!

It is important to maintain a sensible diet, even if you are burning off more calories. Research shows that our ideas of what a portion size are can often be skewed. You can find sites on the web that contain images of ‘real sized’ portions – make sure you aren’t eating more than you should be! You will be the most successful in your goal to lose weight if you couple regular exercise with eating a healthy diet.

If you haven’t already, take the time to think about what sorts of physical activity you enjoy engaging in. Do you prefer to do things outside? For many people, being outdoors can be a great way to feel connected with the earth and get a sense of being renewed. If this is the case for you, you might want to consider hiking or biking.

If staying indoors is more of your thing, consider getting a membership at your local gym. If you think you’d feel too self conscious to work out in front of other people, look online for exercise videos, and pick one or two to try out. You can join an online group to help you stay motivated or check in with a friend each week to report your progress.

Are you the sort of person who’d prefer to work out by yourself? Many people see their exercise time as their ‘alone’ time – it can be a chance to unwind after a long day of work at the office or being around the kids. Other people prefer to work out with a friend or group of friends; for them, having other people around to talk to can help the time go by faster and can be a way to keep themselves motivated to continue on when they might otherwise be tempted to stop. Just having other people there can help us be more accountable sometimes.

The decision to start exercising is perhaps one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. Many folks report feeling more energetic and less stressed after making exercise a regular part of their routine. Remind yourself of how good you’ll feel when you’re done working out, and congratulate yourself for doing a good thing for yourself!