How To Safely Start An Exercise Program

How To Safely Start An Exercise Program hover background

Jan 01
2019

It is that time of year when New Year’s resolutions are in full force and many of us are learning how to safely start an exercise program. Learning to do so is important for many reasons. First, it helps to prevent injury. Second, starting an exercise program safely will keep you from doing too much too soon, and help you to keep going with it over the long term.

Exercising regularly is linked to many health benefits. It can improve your heart health and cardiovascular health, help you to lose weight, improve your sleep at night, help you build strength and more. Starting a new exercise program safely will help you reap these benefits over the long haul.

How To Safely Start An Exercise Program

Looking for ways to get going on your goals? Here are five tips to consider as you get started.

Find Your Starting Fitness Level

Finding your starting fitness level is important. Knowing where you start can help you monitor your progress as you go. Knowing your beginning fitness level also gives you a realistic measure of where your body is at, so that you create a program that is tailored to your current fitness level. A physical therapist can help you to determine your current fitness level and offer suggestions on how to start.

Start Slowly

To prevent injury, start slowly. As you build strength and stamina, you can gradually increase the length of time, intensity, and frequency with which you exercise. If you do find yourself injured soon after beginning to workout, this will delay your health and wellness progress or cause setbacks in your program, so starting slowly and preventing injury is key.

Keep It Varied

Incorporate a variety of exercises into your program. This will serve several purposes. One, incorporating a variety of exercises into your routine will keep you from getting bored with what you are doing. Second, adding a variety of exercises prevents overuse injuries to your muscles or joints.

Enlist The Proper Resources

Anytime you start something new, having the proper knowledge, support and resources helps to set you up for success. When it comes to learning how to safely start an exercise program, these resources may come in the form of a personal trainer, a physical therapist and/or the right kind of exercise equipment. Enlist the help of professionals where and when you need it to support you in succeeding at your fitness goals.

Track your progress

Once you get going, track your progress along the way. The truth is that once you begin to see results, you are more likely to stick with it. Not seeing improvement in health or wellness will make you more likely to quit, so find measurable ways to track your progress.

Now that you know how to safely start an exercise program…

…a physical therapist can help to assess your beginning fitness levels and tailor a plan that is right for you. To get started on your health and wellness goals in the new year, contact us today.

Locations

Queen Creek Location
21321 E. Ocotillo Rd., Suite 122
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Ph: 480.987.1870
F: 480.987.9289

Phoenix
3201 W. Peoria Ave., Suite D800
Phoenix, AZ 85029
Ph: 602.866.2231
F: 602.866.2261

X