Preparing for your First Workout

Posted: Sep 19 in Activity Recommendations by Dr. Lazarus

The best workouts are those with a clearly set plan and realistic goals. Taking time to consider your fitness goals before heading to the gym gives you a chance to learn different techniques, become mentally prepared for what you are going to do and figure out the logistics of how you’ll do it.

There is a lot of preparation that goes into your first exercise session. Before you start feeling the benefits of being more active, you’ll have to consider things like:

• The equipment you’ll need to get started
• When a workout will fit best into your schedule
• What your interests are
• Who, if anyone, you’ll be working out with

Learning the Ropes

There are several different categories of exercise, including cardiovascular activity, muscle building activity and flexibility training. A strong workout will incorporate aspects of all three forms of fitness, but this will take some warming up to. For your first workout, the trick is to start slow. Don’t take on more than you can handle and be prepared as much as possible. This will help you prevent an injury, ease into the process and learn a bit along the way.

What you’ll need

To get started, you’ll a few basic supplies:

• Loose clothing that allows you to move freely. Avoid wearing denim to workout.
• Socks and sneakers
• A water bottle so you can stay hydrated

As you start working out, you may find that a few additional supplies will help you make the most of your workout. An MP3 player and good headphones can keep you interested in your workout. If you decide to work out from home, then it will help to get some basic equipment like hand weights, resistance bands and a fitness or yoga mat.

Where to go

Gyms are popular for a reason. They hold all the equipment you need to get in a great workout while often providing you with access to personal trainers who can teach you how to use the equipment in a way that will benefit you personally. Of course, they aren’t your only option. You can work out at home, with friends in your neighborhood or at a local park.

As you explore your options and feel more confident, consider taking advantage of the different resources available to you throughout Denver. Hiking trails, aerobic and yoga studios and fitness centers are available to help you make the most out of the time you dedicate to your workout.

What to do

When you start looking at your fitness options, take into consideration how you like to spend your spare time. Your personal interest in different fitness techniques is one of the most influential factors in how well you’ll stick to your workout plans. When you start looking at your friend’s workout plans or browsing through popular fitness plans on the web, take a step back and think about what really interests you.

If you are having trouble getting excited to go on a walk or lift weights at the gym, consider taking a different approach to fitness. You can try:

• Joining a sports team
• Entering a race
• Taking a dance class
• Learning martial arts

Your first workout session might feel intimidating, but don’t let anxieties about what lays ahead interfere with your desire to develop a healthier way of life. You don’t need to commit to a long-term workout routine on day one. Give a new fitness technique a try and see how it goes.