Getting Fit: Series 1

Summer is just around the corner, and the last thing I want is one more summer feeling like I could have done more to be toned and in shape! So, I have compiled what I think is what will set you up for success! Some of us think we know what we got to do when hitting the gym; others are intimidated by the gym... All the machines, body builders, and it's all too overwhelming! For those who already have the confidence and those who may need a little help, this guide to exercising are tips you will find helpful for the rest of your fit days!

First, how do you approach your workout?! Here are 10 easy steps for approach & exercising correctly!

1. Getting Married To Your Routine

If you do the same routine over and over, your muscles will simple adapt; you're likely to hit a plateau because each exercise stimulates only a limited number of muscle fibers. However, if you challenge your muscles from a variety of angles by adding and/or alternating moves periodically, you'll get significantly more fibers in the act and develop more tone and strength.

What would this look like in putting to practice? Adding 2 or 3 additional exercises, trying new angles/equipment, add more reps, and ultimately, you want to re-evaluate your routine every 6 weeks.

2. Performing Your Reps Too Quickly

If you zoom through your reps when strength training, you'll be using momentum instead of muscle power. You won't get the same stimulus for muscle building, and you won't burn as many calories. You'll also be more susceptible to exercising injuries.

How can you fix this? A good rule of thumb is to take 6 seconds for each repetition. Two seconds to lift and 4 seconds to lower the weight, you need to slow down even more on this phase in order to give your muscles a sufficient challenge!

3. Exercising Too Hard, Too Often

If you don't rest enough between strenuous cardio and strength workouts, you will hinder your progress and may lose what you've gained. You are also likely to burn out on exercising in the long run. Always leave wanting to do more and feeling refreshed!

How do you do this? Keeping your muscles fresh will keep you motivated. Alternating keeps it exciting; this reigns true in more than just your workouts! Go all-out twice a week! Other days you exercise, focus on maintaining your self! The more intensely you train, the more time needed for recovery! You shouldn't exercise the same muscles repeatedly except for the abs!

4. Too Focused On Your Cardio

If you want to see results, mix it up! Get crazy! Try new things! This is a great way to unleash the adventurous side. Whatever this means to you! If that means taking a 10 mile bike ride on a new trail, go for it! If this means running on a different street in your neighborhood, go for it! Always want to keep your body guessing! Just like working too hard, the same ole same ole can be just as damaging to you achieving a successful workout! Whatever you do, you want to feel somewhat winded and feel your heart pound!

If this is really a challenge for you then only do it 1/2 the times you workout. Start out slow with this new idea. If you run on the treadmill, try increasing speed for a few minutes or try using the incline and jogging for less time.

5. Lifting The Wrong Amount Of Weight

If lifting weights that are too light, you won't see improvements in strength, tone, or bone density. If you lift weights that are too heavy, you'll compromise proper form, increasing your risk of injury. You end up cheating the targeted muscle because your other body's muscles are having to compensate.

What to do? The most significant strength building amount is 4-6 repetitions per set; for more moderate strength building, perform 8-12 repetitions per set. Choosing weights heavy enough that your struggle on the final few, but not so heavy that your form falls apart. If after a few sets of bicep curls, you can do a few more. Next time, add 5 to 10 lbs. to the weight. You may drop fewer reps, but you are sculpting and seeing results! Not to worry, it takes a long time to be a muscle man, so I promise you won't look like you're training to be the incredible hulk!

This is 1-5 on achieving overall better results on this summer's workouts! Stay tuned for 6-11!