Matching Your Exercise Routine to Your Fitness Goals

Whether you are new to regular exercise or want to turn your activity level up a notch, finidng the right exercise makes all the difference.

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Finding the right exercise with gym memberships in New York City

Congratulations—you’ve made up your mind to become more active. Whether you are new to regular exercise or looking to turn your activity level up a notch, you can find the type of exercise that will help you accomplish your goals.

When you are comparing different types of activities to help you get in shape, think about what you like to do and what will keep you motivated. Do you like to be outside? Riding a bike, walking, and running are great forms of exercise that don’t take a lot of equipment, and you don’t have to travel to a gym. Are you more motivated when you’re around other people? Consider an aerobics, fitness dance, kickboxing, or yoga class to help you get started on the road to a more active lifestyle.

Do you like running outside and doing yoga in a class? Do both (but maybe not on the same day if you are new to exercise). Many people who are new to exercise complain that it’s boring, but there are so many types of exercises that you can mix and match them to help you stay motivated. Also, mixing up different kinds of exercise can help keep you from getting injured—most exercise-related injuries come from repeating the same movements over time with no variety.

Remember that fit people come in all shapes and sizes, and everyone improves at a different pace. Be proud that you have made a commitment to walking three miles a day; it doesn’t matter if your neighbor runs six miles a day. Don’t give up if you miss a few days, just don’t let it turn into a few months.

Once you have set some exercise goals, keep these tips in mind:

First, start at the bottom—get good shoes. Get shoes that fit your feet and are suited for what you want to do. Choose the pair that feels comfortable as soon as you put them on and don’t buy the least expensive pair — buy the pair that fits. Exercise won’t be enjoyable (or safe) in worn-out or ill-fitting shoes.

Second, ease into action. If you are new to exercise, expect to feel a little sore and stiff at first. You can’t get into shape without some effort, but the important thing is to pace yourself. If you try every machine in the gym on your first visit, you will burn out and lose your enthusiasm, and you may be too sore to go back.

Third, follow the stepwise principle. As you begin to get in shape, don’t add more and more activity each day; follow a stepwise progression of building up your activity level gradually to allow your muscles to get stronger and to reduce your risk of injury. As you get stronger, gradually increase the amount of time or intensity of your exercise, alternating easy days with tougher workouts and alternate different types of exercise. For example, you could lift weights on Tuesday and Thursday and go to an aerobics class or take a long walk on Monday and Wednesday.

Remember that getting in shape is personal; compare all the options and you’ll find what works for you.

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