Want to Shape Up? Read These Tips When Starting a Fitness Routine

You’re motivated to start a workout routine, but you’re not exactly sure where to begin. Becoming dedicated to your fitness is the first step toward losing weight and becoming healthier, and these beginner-friendly tips will help you to get started.

  • Consider your goals. Do you want to lose weight? Run a marathon? Gain muscle? Before beginning any fitness routine, consider your end goals to help make the rest of your plan more productive.
  • Create a routine. Work with a trainer to design a workout routine that works with your specific goals, or simply research online to find a pre-made exercise regimen.
  • Start slow. In the long run, it’s more beneficial to start with much less than what you can actually do. This will help you to build up your routine and pace yourself for the long haul.
  • Mix it up. Instead of doing the same exercise every day, mix things up to avoid getting bored or hitting a workout plateau.
  • Write it down. Throughout your exercise plan, be sure to write down all of your workouts, your measurements, your weight loss, and any other details that might contribute to your end goals.
  • Find a friend. If you’re feeling really unmotivated, work out with a friend so that you can hold each other accountable.

14 Tips for Starting and Sticking with a Workout Routine [Spark People]
Fitness Program: 5 Steps To Get Started [Mayo Clinic]
Fitness 101: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Exercise [WebMD]

Spring Forward: How Start Your Warm Weather Workouts on the Right Foot

Whether you want to tone up before bathing suit season or you're striving to lead a healthier lifestyle, the spring season is a good time to begin an exercise routine. If you’re struggling to find the motivation to begin your spring workouts, these tips can help.

  • Put it on paper. If you write down your fitness goals and a loose schedule, it will help you to remain accountable and stay on track.
  • Start slow. Remember to keep your schedule light at first and work up to more difficult workouts. Begin with 30 minutes of moderate cardio exercise three or four times per week, and be sure to switch up your workouts to keep things interesting.
  • Enlist a partner. If you’re still feeling sluggish, ask a close friend to work out with you and help to keep each other motivated.
  • Invest in new workout gear. If your sneakers from last season have seen better days, invest in a brand-new pair that will get you excited to exercise.
  • Get outdoors. Now that the cold weather is over and the days are longer, you likely want to get outside as much as you can. Schedule early morning runs before work, go for weekend bike rides, or even sign up for yoga in the park.

Spring-Clean Your Exercise Routine [Health]
20 Ways to Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine [Shape]
Spring Clean Your Workout Routine: 21 Bad Habits To Toss Today [LiveStrong]

Track Your Exercise With These Running Logs

If you love running and constantly try to beat your own best time, online running logs are incredibly helpful tools. Even if you’re a beginner runner, these handy logbooks can help you to keep track of your runs and praise yourself for a week with no days off. Here are two online running logs to help you find the motivation to keep on running.

LogYourRun
If you’re simply looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense running log, this one is for you. LogYourRun offers an exercise log where you can enter your runs, track your weekly times, distance, and pace, and even keep track of your weight. It offers maps of the best running routes in your area, and the impressive import feature allows you to import data from your mobile device or other websites.

MapMyRun
Specifically tailored toward your area, MapMyRun is a mobile app and online website that helps you train for an upcoming race or simply compare your personal runs. It allows you to create a challenge and alerts you once you’ve met your goal, and it also includes pre-made training plans that act just like a running coach. With a simple interface and a handy mobile platform, MapMyRun is a great tool for any tech-savvy runner.

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