Take a look at this excellent article by Kim Standerline with tips for beginners starting an exercise

program.

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A Beginners Exercise Program

If you’re new to physical fitness figuring out an exercise program can be a daunting task. There are so many recommendations to figure out. Do you do cardiovascular, strength training, or both? Well help is here this guide answers some of the questions that beginners to exercise often become confused about and offers a beginners exercise program to get you started in meeting your fitness goals.

Know your goals

Why are you looking to start an exercise program? Are you looking for relief for a painful medical condition such as arthritis? Are you trying to lose weight? Or are you just looking to tone your body in certain areas? Your needs determine the type of exercise program that you should start with. If you suffer from arthritis walking could be difficult because it puts stress on the joints of the body, swimming or cycling would be a better option.

After you have determined your goals the next step is to create an action plan. This action plan should include how long it will take to complete your goals, the money you expect to spend on fitness equipment and any other information relating to your exercise program. To prevent overdoing your exercise program you should break goals down into weekly achievements, this gives you a chance to chart your progress over time and adjust your goals if needed.

How much does your exercise program cost?

Any exercise program will incur some expenses. If you choose to join a gym then you will have to pay a membership there. Other expenses should include clothing needed for exercise. Clothing needs to be comfortable and breathable if exercising outside you will need to dress for the weather. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a portable mp3 player and appropriate sneakers will probably all be needed for comfort and convenience.

There are no shortcuts!

The biggest mistake that new exercises assume is that their weight lost goals can be achieved overnight. You can’t lose ten pounds in one week, and no legitimate exercise program will make that claim. It’s important that you be realistic about what you can change and how long it will take. Taking dangerous diet pills, going on liquid diets, and only eating one food type are all dangerous practices that could lead to serious injury or even death. It took time to get into the physical condition you are now it’s going to take time to repair the damage and get back on the right path.

Choose your exercise program well

The exercise program you choose should also be well thought out. For example taking a one hour cycling class the first time you exercise is only going to cause you pain and probably keep you from trying again. You should start with between 10 and 15 minutes of continuous activity. If you’re in poor physical health even less time may be needed. To ensure your safety you should consult with a doctor first.

Walking is probably the best exercise program to start out on. It is easy to do and needs no special equipment or location. Try starting out with walking 2 days in a row and then rest the next day. Don’t focus on covering distance or walking as fast as possible.

Your goal should be to increase your endurance. Pay attention to your body and use the correct form as you walk. As your walking exercise program gets easier you can add in a few more minutes of continuous walking every week, until you can do at least 30 minutes a day.

Strength training is a must if you are trying to lose weight. Add it to your exercise program by starting with light 1 or 2 pound dumbbells.

Try starting with only 2 or 3 repetitions. There are a variety of strength training exercises that can be done, try consulting with a fitness instructor for the first time to make sure you understand how to hold the weights and control each movement.

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Kim is a Registered Nurse working and living in the UK. She has been nursing for nearly 35 years and now works as a Back Care Advisor. 

Source: http://www.nursing-hints.com

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