2021 has, for large portions of the population, been all about getting used to a “new normal.”
On the plus side, it has also allowed many the opportunity to rethink their current lifestyle and make positive changes for the good of their health and wellness.
While embarking on a new fitness journey is undoubtedly a good thing, inexperienced individuals should understand how to protect themselves and ensure positive experiences before, during, and after exercising.
To that end, here are a few key tips to keep in mind when you start a new fitness routine:
Monitor Common Health Issues
Seemingly small health issues can become incredibly problematic if you don’t identify and deal with them quickly. As such, it’s important for all individuals to monitor their own health and keep track of anything that may seem abnormal.
For instance, something as “innocuous” as a bunion can become very painful and even debilitating in some cases. (For proof, you can check out these bunion surgery photos.)
If you are starting a new exercise routine or fitness hobby, you should familiarize yourself with common injuries to look for during and after participating. One common injury that can cause big problems is an achilles strain.
Be sure that you are familiar with how to take preventative measures against injury when starting a new fitness hobby. Bottom line, don’t ignore anything that seems painful or concerning. Which leads us to tip #2 . . .
Speak to Your Doctor Regularly
While you may be able to handle certain minor health issues through rest or over-the-counter treatments, it’s good to get into the habit of speaking to your doctor regularly. Not only will they be able to diagnose and treat many problems, but they can also give you quality diet and exercise advice.
Be Patient
Are you excited to start a new fitness routine? If so, then great! Just remember that improving your overall health and wellness will take time, though.
You can’t go straight from the couch to running a marathon in the space of a few days. Rather, focus on making incremental progress and building toward long-term goals slowly.
Also, don’t get discouraged if you face a few setbacks over the next few weeks or months. Perseverance and consistency are keys to success in this venture. Besides, no one’s perfect –– so don’t sweat a bad day or two if they happen.
Follow Safety Recommendations
Obviously, any time you use exercise equipment, you should always follow safety guidelines recommended by experts. Get a spotter to assist you and don’t ever mess with a machine you’ve never used before.
Doing so could lead to serious injury! Remember, you can always hire a personal trainer for fitness-safety guidance if you need it.
Lastly, always make sure to hydrate and take a break if you feel unwell. Pushing yourself to reach new heights is great, but don’t put your health at risk just to complete a set. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Photo by Luis Quintero on Unsplash
