On this page, I’ll give you some key pointers that should head you in the right direction as you take on the fitness path.
Diet
It’s funny to me, how we are almost programmed as a society to be able to lose weight and look great, just by working out. Up until about the age of 30, it really wasn’t very relevant for me to have a fitness routine, as I always had a very labor intensive type of job. I did workout during some of those years, in order to help me to do those jobs. Starting around 30, I progressively ate and drank healthier. It wasn’t until about the age of 40, that I learned the importance of diet and nutrition. While I had already waned myself off of fast food and pop for a long time, what I never really realized was that we actually lose or gain most of our body fat from our diet. I believe and if I remember correctly, that we only lose about 15% of our body fat through our fitness routine. Then, of course, there is also the importance of proper nutrition. I’ve used multivitamins, protein supplements and try not to consume too much sugar and carbs in my diet. You could literally write a book or books on this subject. As I’m sure has already been done. I’m sure! So let me just end by saying that even for the most disciplined individual, it’s hard to be absolutely perfect with your diet. Sound true? No, I don’t want that free pizza at work, but thanks anyways!
Equipment
One nice thing that comes to mind, is the fact that my workout attire is actually pretty comfortable. I could honestly spend my entire day in it because of this fact. So yeah, it doesn’t hurt to spend a few extra bucks to get yourself some nice gym attire. I personally enjoy having my arms totally free of any material. Shoes are very important when it comes to working out. Especially if you’re a runner. Which I definitely am not, but I’ve actually hurt my feet by trying to run in shoes that were not supportive enough. It’s definitely worth it to research, find, and spend whatever it takes to have some good shoes. Which will also help you to perform better while lifting, as well. Maybe it all starts at the roots. Braces can be helpful too. Knee, wrist and back braces can all be beneficial. Especially to those who may already have issues in any of those areas. They’re obviously great for preventative measures.
How about gym equipment? There’s a contrast between using machine weights and using free weights. I never really knew this until it was explained to me that you don’t fully utilize or build your “stabilizer” muscles with machines. It’s something that I still don’t completely understand, but there must be certain muscles that are used to support the weight while you are lifting. For example, you may use your core, legs and lats more when using free weights. While machines do some of that support for you. Before I found this out a few years ago, all I ever heard was that you get a “better workout” from using free weights. Perhaps this is a part of the reason why.
Also, my experience has taught me that not all gyms carry free weight benches and lifting stations. You may want to research that before joining one.
Stretching
For years, I used to stretch before my workouts. After all, that’s the way we were taught in school. Well, recently I learned that it’s actually better to stretch after your workout. Preferably before bed. Lengthening the muscle fibers before they heal while sleeping. (Sleep is very important for the recovery of your muscles. You should also give plenty of time between workouts for individual muscle groups. I’ve heard as much as 5 days. The choice is yours. I generally like to give at least 3 days.) If you do a static stretch before your workout, which is when you hold the stretch for a certain amount of time, then you are playing with the relationship between your muscles and your mind. I’ve had absolutely no problems with this either. I like the fact that it saves me time and effort before my workout. So it’s a win-win. The only time I would recommend stretching before a workout, is if you have an injury or maybe a tweak in one of your muscles. Giving it a quick measure to see how it feels before you begin.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a routine, there is so much available on the internet these days that you can literally just plug in an app on Instagram and have workout routines set up for you. With animated instructions, as well. Or, you can go to YouTube and find endless amounts of trainers that can help you to not only create a routine, but give you all the details on form and effectiveness too. There’s nothing wrong with hiring a personal trainer, as long as you’re willing to make that investment. So this really is my advice. Whether you’re just beginning or at a more advanced level.
If you’re at all curious about my routine. I’ll tell you this. It’s constantly changing and evolving. I really do try to put more emphasis on form rather than weight. Which includes breathing, posture and pace. This has been one of the main focal points that has entered my routine over the years. Especially after recently acquiring a few injuries. I recently injured myself while taking on some workout tips from a co-worker. It was a terrible incident due to the fact that my form was already correct. That’s how vital information can be. What works for one person, may not work for another. My injury has become better, but I can’t say if it is, or will be completely healed in time. I’m doing that part of my routine very lightly. So as I’m sure many people that have come across the same situation can tell you…We aren’t working out to hinder ourselves or break down our body. We are doing it to condition our bodies and enhance our lives. In conclusion, I wish anyone who came across this material, the very best in their fitness journey.