3 ingredients for building an exercise plan
If you’re starting a new health and wellness journey, exercise is an important component of your success.
Alongside a well-balanced diet, following a regular exercise regime can help promote overall health and wellbeing. Different components of an exercise plan include:
- Cardiovascular/aerobic exercise for heart health
- Strength training for muscles and bones
- Flexibility/balance for mobility and stability
To help you get started, here are three helpful ingredients for building your exercise plan.
Be realistic
An exercise plan that is unrealistic is unsustainable. If you have a health and fitness goal that you want to achieve, your exercise regime should create the perfect pathway for you to reach these goals in time and without injury.
Your exercise plan should fit with your current fitness levels. For example, if you have never set foot in a gym before, creating an exercise plan that involves working out seven days a week is most likely unrealistic. Instead, begin with just one or two days in the gym and slowly work your way up as you feel more comfortable and confident with your exercise program.
Your exercise plan must also be realistic about your end goal. Keep your goals in mind when you are considering which exercises to perform and at which intensity.
Focus on enjoyment
When you want to achieve a fitness goal, exercise sustainability and enjoyment are key. When you enjoy what you are doing, you are more likely to stick to it. As a result, you are more likely to reach your fitness goals.
Consider the activities that you enjoy the most and make sure to include these in your exercise plan. If you are unsure, you might need to try out a few different exercises to determine which forms of movement you enjoy doing the most. It might be swimming, dancing, weightlifting, or cycling. Find what brings you joy and incorporate that into your plan.
Leverage support
Building a strong support network is also key when you are formulating an effective exercise plan.
Whether you plan to join your friends for a weekly workout, join a running club, or have a friend that cheers you on from the sidelines, having the extra support from those around you can help you to stay motivated to reach your goals.