Those who hit the gym for the first time find this experience to be overwhelming and it is not uncommon to throw in the towel even before the show even starts. Yes, people crave to get off the couch, but the fitness arena can be quite unforgiving. This implies you should not simply jump into this adventure without some prior legwork. Here are some tips that should help you get a taste of what awaits and navigate the initial chapters of fitness.
Over the long haul
In order to get on the fast track to gains, there are a couple of things you need to understand. First off, without mental strength, you cannot hope to attain physical greatness. One of the facts you need to swallow is that the fitness world does not provide instant gratification, unlike the fleshy consumerist society around you. Another bitter bite is accepting that working out is all but pleasant and is often painful and burdensome.
Therefore, it pays off to start your fitness journey with a bit of education. For example, develop a deeper understanding of all the benefits that can be reaped from physical activity, especially those related to health. Even if your goal is to impress others with a sculpted body, seeing how many blessings can be bestowed upon you serves as a great motivation booster.
Writing’s on the wall
Do not go anywhere without a game plan in place. It consists of your goals, methods you deem best for achieving them, as well as lifestyle considerations. This is to say that if you want to maximize your workout plan, there are many moving parts to grasp. The first thing on the list is your training background, and it does not work to your advantage, does it? Well, there is no need to fret, just bear in mind that your muscles have no clue what is going to hit them.
To make up for this bodily ignorance, it is of the utmost importance to track your progress. Quantifying all your efforts gives you a clear sense of direction. Thus, keep a training log and include all your workout stats: exercises, sets, reps, weight, every rest you take throughout the day. Diet is also essential for any successful workout program, so pay attention to your eating habits and even consider logging what you eat as well.
No pain, no gain
Your approach to training matters allows you to make gym visit something more that an isolated occurrence: a solid habit for years to come. It is advisable to work out at least three times per week, and set midterm and long-term goals. It will be hard in the beginning, but after a while, you should feel the routine growing on you. One habit you certainly need is warming up, since it prevents perilous injuries and helps you achieve peak performance.
What is more, you must harness the power of muscle hypertrophy (not to be confused with technical failure). Each and every set you perform you need to take to the absolute limit, a point where your body endures failure, and your muscles are struggling to continue. Hence, you must learn how to stay in tune with the signals your body sends you and push yourself beyond all limits.
However, one of the most common mistakes is overdoing things: training too hard, way too often or performing exercises improperly. This only causes muscle soreness and inhibits the recovery process. And, contrary to popular belief, there is gain without pain. So, aspects that you must get right are volume, frequency, and form. Note that these things are interconnected. Poor form is often the result of someone trying to lift too much weight too early in the fitness endeavor.
A fine balance
On your first day, you can go for three or four exercises. Many newcomers go overboard with barbell squats, the overhead press, and their dead lifts right away. Well, there is no rush—you will work your way to the heavier weights gradually. Also, it is a good idea to utilize assistance exercises, and combine a “pull” workout with a “push” one. This is the way to embrace a balanced fitness philosophy and build areas like the chest and back evenly.
So, the key to fitness accomplishments is in the form of isolating various muscle groups and strategically targeting them with proper exercises. Thus, strive to perfect your posture. How you contract your muscles during every move is what determines the amount of gains. And pay no heed to complex forms you find in magazines and blogs. Stick to simple, compound movements and remember that the most effective programs keep it simple.
Time to step up
Fitness is not only about the time you spend pumping iron and breaking a sweat. It is a matter of lifestyle, and the decisions you make on a daily basis. In the grand scheme of things, the most important elements are your technique, a sound training plan, exercise execution, rest, and nutrition. So, diet like you mean it, make every rep count, and do not cut corners. Leave no muscle behind, make a positive change in your mind and body, and witness the benefits spilling over into all areas of your life.
Photo/Stocksnap.io