Good morning!
Many people ask me about exercise how-to’s. Because everyone is so different and needs vary tremendously, I am going to give you a super basic foundation when it comes to exercise. Bottom line? Our bodies are designed to move.
Resistance training and cardio training are a must. If we want our bodies to do what our purposes and missions are, we must have endurance. Getting the heart rate up, sweating, and adding resistance to our schedules are all key to staying healthy.
<strong>How often should I exercise?</strong>
As a general rule (general!), you should lift weights or do resistance training 2-3 times a week. Cardiovascular training, where you get that heart rate up, should be done 3-4 times a week. How this is done is an entire industry in itself. It’s up to you. You can do one a day, you can combine resistance and cardio training into one day–completely up to you. Doing this, coupled with eating well, is a lethal combo for getting fit and healthy.
How do I get there? You have to start somewhere. And, I have some ideas for you!
1. Go join a gym. It’s worth every penny. I teach the highest rated classes in the world–and they are in EVERY state in the US, and in most countries. Check them out and find one or two– <a href=”http://lesmills.com“>Lesmills.com</a>. They offer both resistance and cardio classes. I have personally seen tremendous outcomes from these classes. Because I am more of a sports exerciser, I wasn’t a big class person. But I am hooked and have been teaching for 7 years! Love it! Motivating and lots of accountability. Those are two MUSTS in training.
Les Mills CXWorx (core class)
2. Hire a trainer! These guys and gals are knowledgeable and can customize what you need and want!
3. I use this one a lot and have for years, especially to change it up. I love exercising outside and use this to do so. Download the nike training club app. It’s <a href=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nike-training-club/id301521403?mt=8“>here</a>. It has TONS of workouts with videos already loaded onto the app. From cardio to lifting. And it’s free! I go outside in my backyard or to a park, in my living room, or even my garage to do these. Layer some great music or podcasts behind it, and you’ve got yourself some GREAT challenges.
4. Grab a friend, and sign up for an event, and train for it. Make it a family affair. Grab a frisbee, a bike or a soccer ball and take it outside. (I bought a pair of suspension straps ($39) and almost weekly, I find a tree in a park in between work appointments, and lift 2 muscle groups under the tree.) The great thing about this is that you can customize your workouts. The only must is that when doing cardio–you’ve gotta sweat and breath hard. And when you do resistance training, try to fatigue whatever muscles you’re working. Make it difficult to finish the sets. Okay?
Training options are endless!
suspension straps. these were suspended from a swingset.
pushups on a park bench
jen’s trophy is bigger
family bike ride
why not?
Start somewhere. Start today!
