Get a Medical Checkup
You wouldn't take your car on a road trip across the country
without checking for loose belts or leaking fluids. Likewise, if you are taking
your body on a high intensity trip to optimum fitness, it's worth making sure
that there's nothing wrong that could cause an injury or, aggravate an
existing, undiagnosed condition.
If you are young and healthy, there may be no apparent
reason to see a doctor, although regular preventative checkups are a good idea.
You should however, seek medical approval if:
You're over 40. You may be in great shape, but there's no
escaping the fact that your body has put up with quite a lot of abuse and
misuse during that time and you can expect a few problems to begin cropping up.
You are at risk of Heart Disease. Exercise improves the
health of the heart, but if it's vulnerable to heart attack, over-stressing the
cardiovascular system is potentially disastrous. Major risk factors are: if any
parents or siblings developed heart disease before the age of 50; a total
cholesterol level of 200 or more; and, having diabetes or a blood pressure
greater than 140 over 85. Other signs to have checked out are shortness of
breath with mild exertion, dizziness, palpitations or a known heart murmur.
Start Smart
It is an accepted fact that men like to go hard when they do
something, particularly exercise. It feels great immediately afterward because
of the endorphin rush, but then you get sore. Most people can't hammer
themselves every time they workout, after a few times they lose their enthusiasm
or, get injured.
The secret to longevity with any exercise program is to
start at a low intensity and slowly build it up, increasing the intensity and
duration gradually.
Speak to an Expert
Even if you are armed with the best knowledge and intentions,
it is a good idea to have your program designed by someone else. Every good
Personal Trainer I have encountered in my professional life has their own
Personal Trainer to design and guide them through their training program.
If you are fortunate, your local gym will have fully
qualified and knowledgeable Fitness Professionals either on staff or,
contracted to work in the gym, and can provide the best advice available. After
all, they know exactly what you want to achieve.
Don't do it Alone
You are not in this world alone, nor are you in this
exercise thing alone. It helps enormously to have someone around with whom you
can share your progress, enthusiasm and disappointments. Part of this involves
what sports psychologists call values clarification. If you tell someone,
"This is what I am planning." You are more likely to actually do it.
Who do you share it with? It could be your spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend,
training partner or work-mate.
It doesn't matter who it is, what matters is that they are interested
in your plans, reasons for exercise and your goals.
Pick your Partner Carefully
A workout partner can help foster motivation and they can
'keep you honest'. Make sure that competitiveness does not end up making the
whole experience unpleasant or tougher than you really want, or need. Always
remember that exercise should be fun.
Follow these 'Golden Rules' and enjoy the journey to the new
you.
Drew Dale is a Certificate III and IV in Fitness qualified
Personal Trainer, registered with Fitness Australia. He has additional
qualifications in nutrition, TRX functional training, kettlebell instructor,
boxing and karate. He specialises in exercise for older adults, injury
rehabilitation and physical preparation for military and emergency services entry.
Visit Drew's website at
http://www.drewdalepersonaltraining.com and make the decision today to change
your life for tomorrow.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Drew_S_Dale
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