A Back-to-Basics Beginner Workout and 12 Helpful Tips
September 17, 2011 by Jenn
Pages: 1 2
What are you waiting for? Try this beginner workout routine and these tips! Credit: ernomijland
Today’s beginner workout routine is part of FBG’s Back to Basics Week that features the best beginner fitness and beginner nutrition posts that help you to be a little healthier and—in theme with the week—a little smarter. Read on for a complete beginner workout along with tips by Amie Hoff, founder of Hoff Fitness and co-founder of FitKit. As a NYC-based fitness professional dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world, Hoff is frequently called on as a fitness expert to provide health and fitness information on TV, radio and in the local, national and global press.
Starting an exercise program can be an overwhelming undertaking, but start slow with this simple beginner workout routine, filled with basic exercises that pack a powerful punch. Follow these tips that I share with my clients, and you’ll reach your goal before you know it—and be ready to set the next one!
Beginner Workout Tips
1. When you have no motivation to work out, go for just 10 minutes. Once you get going, you’re more likely to continue than if you never started. Plus, if you stop at 10, at least you get 10 minutes of activity!
2. Let go of tension in your hands, neck and shoulders while working out. Too much energy is expended with the tension when it could be directed to the muscle actually working.
3. Be ready in the A.M. If you have trouble getting up early for a workout, set your clothes out the night before and jump in the shower for 30 seconds to wake yourself up as soon as you get up.
4. Set mini-goals. Reaching smaller goals lends a sense of achievement, which in turn fuels motivation. For example, rather than the goal be to lose 15 pounds, start with 5 pounds. When you reach that goal, reassess and set a new mini-goal.
5. Think positive! It may take a while to change your body for the positive, but in one second you can transform your mind.
6. Do it for you. Lose weight for yourself and no one else.
7. Outsmart cravings. When a sugar craving hits and you want to graze out of boredom, brush your teeth before you indulge. Your fresh breath may save you a lot of unneeded calories.
8. Use your arms. Simply pumping your arms when doing any cardio activity can raise the level of calorie burning by 15 percent.
9. Take time to recover. A hard strength workout is like bruising a muscle. You wouldn’t keep hitting a bruise would you? Let it heal before working it again.
10. Get outdoors. Sunlight and fresh air are great energy boosters. Take a walk, have a picnic or just sit and think of the positive changes you would like to make in your life.
11. Always have an extra set of workout clothes on hand. You never know when an unexpected energy surge or free time may arise to exercise, so keep a set of workout clothes at work or in your trunk. Being prepared will save time and energy.
12. Choose only activities you enjoy. There is no need to force the ones you don’t like. You won’t stick with them, and that will only be detrimental to your success in the long run.
Click below for the next page, which features the beginner workout routine—whee!
I’ve seen several of these exercises before but never together as one program. I’m going to have to give this a try!
Good tips! I’ve lost about 82 pounds since last year but have done precious little exercise. Time to put all my fitness DVDs, kettlebells, and running shoes to use again.
I love your tip on going to work out, period, regardless of how long. So often, I think people assume an “all or nothing” mentality where they only want to go if they can squeeze in an hour. I also think like this sometimes, but am learning that it’s definitely better to do SOMETHING (anything!) than nothing. Quick at-home circuit workouts that get your heart pumping are great for this!