5 Tips to Getting Started with Working-Out
Ergh. The thing about being a health buff is, by default, in your group of friends, you are instantly the expert in
so-and-so. (Though I do
admit, I enjoy a drink or two, even if it gives me a beer gut. My fridge is stocked with energy drinks and
stuff though.)
Being the guy that I am, I would want nothing more than see my friends wanting to improve their lifestyle, and, as much as a villain I would seem to be to some of them, being against most of their bad habits, it’s a necessary thing, if ever they want to follow my footsteps.
You may have heard of The Phoenix Theory
--- while I do agree that you need a catalyst to get started with working out,
the article sounds like … the makings of a superhero to me. At first, I thought that guys with the
awesome bods were just show-offs --- but realizing that, they weren’t born that
way, and that they worked long and hard for that, I found respect for working
out. Though shame is a pretty good
motivator for it, I started with vanity.
Yes, it was all because of the trip to the Caribbean
that I was going with my buds. I wanted
to look good!
If you’re having difficulty at the start (which is the
hardest part), it’s okay to go light on yourself. Forcing yourself to workout will only, only
lead to disaster! So, after taking in
the red pill and admitting you want change, here are some basic starter tips,
before you dive into a giant barbell.
Pick a gym far from your house – This is important. Others would opt for a gym that’s nearer
where they live, and, for the convenience, that’s good. But, if you work out near where you live,
wouldn’t it be as easy to work out, then revert to old habits when you’re
nearer the house? The fridge? If you just can’t opt for a far-away gym, or
if it gets to be too big a hassle, run.
Instead of taking the car to the gym, jog your way to and fro --- it’ll
add to the work out you just did, plus, if you really can’t get up, you could
always grab a cab. (Plus, you could take
your shower at home, if public showers freak you out.)
Stretch, stretch, stretch! – Most gyms make this a mandatory
before working out anyway, but I’ll discuss the importance anyway. Without stretching first, your muscles are
susceptible to damage from the sudden jump from inactivity to hard
activity. Which may lead to you never
getting to work out again, or worse … body damage.
If you’re working out with a buddy – Find one with the same
goals as you. If you’re with a real fun
bud, it’s easy to slink back to acting rowdy when you’re in a gym. (Or checking out the ladies, ohoho!) But you’re
not there for them, you’re not there for the girls either (unless you are,
sicko! :p ) --- you’re there for you.
It’s not in the effort, it’s in the reps – Says it all. There’s no use just jumping from 20 pounds to
50 if you only do 10. Start with smaller
weights, and smaller reps, gradually increasing every week / two weeks or
so. Start by increasing the number of
reps and when the next weight level starts feeling easy, it’s time to turn it
up!
Finally, pushing on – Set a goal you want to attain. A “300-esque” body, a certain weight --- just
keep pushing for that goal. Think about
it, if you add a protein supplement to the equation and you stop working
out? The weight’s gonna turn from muscle
to fffllaaaabbbbb.
Hope these tips help!
