GOAL FOR 2023: START EXERCISING
But where do you start? If you have set yourself a New Year’s resolution to exercise, here are eight tips that will help you:
1.- Start with a simple activity, or a sport that you’ve already practised beforehand. For example, if you want to learn how to play paddle tennis, the first step is to get yourself fit by going on runs. We know that you’re dying to hit some powerful volleys, but before you can do that, you need have to have good muscle tone. Amongst other things, you’ll avoid stiffness… and injuries. We’ve all heard of that one friend, or friend of a friend, who went skiing for the first time and ended up tearing their ligaments.
2.- If you’ve never really exercised before, start with activities that don’t involve a high level of technical difficulty such as riding a bike, swimming or running, or with group classes at the gym. Olvídate de las modas o de los deportes que hacen tus amigos: Si eliges lo que te gusta o lo que siempre has deseado practicar te sentirás estimulado a continuar.
3.- Take it slowly. It’s all too common to go all out on the first day – don’t. Plan well. Set yourself goals that are within your reach. For example, to swim every day for twenty minutes. When you start to notice the benefits of exercise not only will you keep going but you’ll also possibly dedicate more time to it.
4.- Alone or with company? This really depends on your personality, your chosen activity and the time you have available.. For example, if you’re short on time, go on a bike ride alone. Sometimes it’s more effective to start off with a friend, but don’t depend on them. Don’t go using the excuse of “If they’re not going, neither will I”.
5.- Take advantage of winter days. Exercising in low temperatures means that our body increases its metabolic activity, our cells consume more energy to convert it into heat, and that means a greater calorie expenditure, which is very useful for weight control.
6.- No, don’t buy new clothes. You’re fine with what you’ve got. But your footwear is what’s really important. Don’t go out for a run wearing indoor football shoes, don’t play tennis with running shoes. Believe it or not, people do it, and they end up damaging their feet.
7.- Eat less and better. There is no point in going all out in the gym if you don’t change your diet.
8.- Be consistent, don’t lose control.
At first, it can be hard to introduce an exercise routine into your life, but after a few weeks you’ll get used to it, you’ll start to feel good and you’ll enjoy it. You will soon realise that you’ve changed your lifestyle.
