Tired of your current exercise routine? Or maybe you’re just looking to get started.
Either way, your fitness routine can be a major part of your journey to better health.
“Health is forever and constantly changing in life. The best way to maintain good health is with a consistent, long-term strategy,” says Mitchell Nyser, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness program.
So, where should you start? Nyser offers five tips for starting – or maintaining – an effective fitness routine.
> Connect with the Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness program
Tips and tricks
Nyser shares five tips for starting your fitness routine:
- Talk to a medical professional. Before making any drastic lifestyle changes to your diet or exercise program, check with your doctor. Certain medical conditions or medications require special attention when changing your diet or exercise habits.
- Set realistic goals. Start with exercising a couple times each week and work your way up from there. Trying to exercise five to seven days per week can cause you to burn out quickly. A slower start allows your body to adjust to the increased activity levels and makes you more likely to stick with it.
- Schedule time for exercise. Creating – and following – a schedule makes it easier to prioritize your health.
- Get a workout partner. Sharing the journey with someone can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.
- Remember: Your health is a marathon, not a sprint! Personal health is a lifelong journey. If you have a setback, or skip a few days, just get right back on schedule.
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Fit and fabulous
The benefits of starting your fitness journey, Nyser says, can produce such positive changes as:
- Increased energy levels and improved mood
- Protection against common diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure diabetes and cancer
- Improved cognitive functions
- Decreased loneliness
- Strengthened sense of independence
- Reduced risk of falls
GoodLife Fitness, a program of Hartford HealthCare, is geared toward the older adult to build energy, strength and endurance for an active lifestyle. An exercise physiologist works one-to-one with each person to improve muscular strength, balance, cardiovascular health and self-esteem, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries.