|
It is easy to develop bad habits that minimize the effectiveness of
a workout, habits that waste time, energy and money. For those individuals
who are committed to improving their overall fitness, it is crucial
to regularly evaluate their workout habits. The American Council on
Exercise (ACE), America’s nonprofit fitness advocate, lists several
important fitness and workout guidelines to encourage individuals to
maintain their goals and, ultimately, result in improved, more effective
exercise routines.
- Consult a specialist for a fitness assessment prior to working out:
Taking the time for an initial evaluation is an important way to measure
your level of progress. While your weight may initially remain the
same, an assessment will give you the opportunity to measure progress
that is not readily apparent including changes in body fat, as well
as overall strength and aerobic capacity.
- Give yourself a quality mind-and-body workout - avoid extremely
intense or overly stressful workouts: Make sure that you are spending
enough time with each exercise. Yoga or Pilates
classes are a solid option because they emphasize the mind-body connection
focusing on breathing and stretching.
- Avoid falling into an inefficient, boring routine: To maximize your
results, avoid going through the motions and take note of your heart
rate or perceived exertion level to stay in an appropriate training
zone. In some cases, you may find that a workout partner provides
motivation and can help encourage you to pick up the pace.
- Stay motivated - avoid the aimless workout: Keep yourself motivated
and challenged by setting new goals and trying new classes. Tailor
workouts to a favorite sport. Seasonal, sports-specific training will
help keep you motivated at the gym.
- Remember to be patient – do not expect to see results too
fast: It is too easy to become discouraged if you are looking for
immediate or “overnight” results. Many exercise-induced
physiological changes may take three to six months, or even longer.
Remember that regular exercise and proper nutrition are important
elements in producing positive change.
- Add variety to keep your workouts balanced and stimulating: Focusing
on only one type of exercise or a single aspect of fitness can cause
overuse injury, boredom or plateau. It is important to try a variety
of exercises to continually challenge your body and your mind.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: It is easy to forget how
to properly use strength-training equipment after time away from the
gym. Don’t be afraid to swallow your pride and ask the staff
for assistance --- that is why they are there. To ensure a safe workout
and maximize results, make the most of your workout by asking for
guidance whenever you need it.
----------
About ACE
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a non-profit organization
dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting
consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction.
As the nation’s “workout watchdog,” ACE conducts university-based
research and testing that targets fitness products and trends. ACE sets
standards for fitness professionals and is the world’s largest
nonprofit fitness certifying organization. For more information on ACE
and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE Web site at
www.acefitness.org.
|
|
|
