It’s all too easy to think exercise and fitness is a young person’s game. But is that really true? Of course, it isn’t! It’s never too late to begin getting fit as an adult, even if you squeeze into years-old gym clothes! Which you shouldn’t ever do, by the way. Of course, you may no longer be a spring chicken. But you can help yourself get healthy the right way without causing pain and physical injury to yourself. When done right, there should be no pain when working out!
Pushing Your Limits
Okay, so there should be no pain. But that doesn’t mean you must do minimal exercise. Working with a personal training coach is highly recommended as they can come up with a tailored plan. A trainer will also motivate and encourage you to push yourself further than you might do alone. This helps you reach maximum results without damaging your body or discouraging the mind. Of course, we all have different limits, so let your trainer know if you experience any pain.
There should be no pain when you exercise. So why are you getting pain when you do? Well, there are many reasons why you might be hurting. First, understand that it is normal to feel the burn! But that should pass quickly. There might be an issue if you feel pain after a workout. One of the leading causes is not stretching. Many people actually don’t do this. But it is necessary to loosen the muscles. You might also be doing too much in a session or using equipment wrongly.
Getting Fit as an Adult Means More than Muscle
Most people assume you go to the gym to build muscle, but that’s simply not true. There are tons of reasons why people go to the gym, and some are even very personal. Most gyms are welcoming and provide social stability. But there are also other things to think about:
- Cardio health becomes more important as we get a little older.
- You must make a healthy meal plan and try your best to stick to it.
- Be careful overdoing it on problem areas such as weakened joints.
Getting fitter as an adult is more about looking after the entirety of your body and mind. This means working out with cardio exercises just as much as strength training. But you must also be careful not to overdo high-intensity exercises, or you risk injury, especially on weakened joints.
Your Exercises Should be Enjoyable
If you are miserable working out, then you need to make some serious changes. You aren’t alone, as 90% of people quit the gym within three months of starting. The reason often includes because they aren’t enjoying it. But why does this happen? Most people don’t have a plan. Nor do they understand what they need on a personal level. It’s no good lifting weights if you aren’t getting pleasure from it. Perhaps you can try the treadmill for toning and weight loss.
One of the key parts of any exercise program is finding the ones you enjoy doing. Or you simply won’t want to do anything! You will waste time and money. If you enjoy lifting weights, then go for it. Some people get lost on the rowing machines. And others can just jog for hours! It’s all about having a good time while also helping yourself get fitter and happier. There is also a mental component to hitting the gym. If you are unmotivated, try other things you might like.
It’s All About Being Positive
As mentioned above, there is a mental component to working out. First and foremost, it must make you happy. Exercising actually helps your endocrine system release dopamine and serotonin naturally. Staying positive and enjoying the gym plays a big role in this.
Keep the end results you want clear in your mind
Focus on where you are now and what you want to achieve. When you understand that working towards a goal is the key, you will begin to enjoy what you do as you strive to get there.
Record data to see how far you have come
It can be hard to visualize your goals. But it is easy to record your progress. Whether it’s weight loss or muscle mass, record your results each week and chart your progress for motivation.
Start small and build from a good foundation
Don’t try and do everything at once. There is so much to do when working out that it can become overwhelming. Get good at smaller exercises and build upon what you learn.
A positive mental attitude is a massive help when trying to get fit. Motivation alone is a huge barrier. But with clear goals and visualization you can develop the mental fortitude to begin enjoying what you do. This pays off big time as you get through the first tough few weeks.
Don’t Put Yourself at Risk
Whether at home or the gym, exercise can be dangerous. A recent survey found that 56% of people who are physically active have been injured when exercising. There are numerous ways you can put yourself at risk when working out, and none of them work out well. One of the most common is simply not understanding the exercises you are doing. Some Google research will help you find the right ones you need for the results you want based on the overall intensity.
Gym equipment is also dangerous. You can be seriously hurt if you don’t learn how to use them properly. This includes physical injury from the machines themselves, but also straining muscles from poor form. Any reputable gym worth paying for will always offer an induction. This is where they go over safety at the gym and will show you how to use everything. If you have any questions, just ask. Gym staff will always be happy to help rather than see you get hurt.
Use a Gym when Getting Fit as an Adult
The gym has been mentioned a few times, but it’s only because there are so many benefits. There is a strong social aspect to using a gym, which will help encourage you to get more from your training. But there is more to it than that. Here are a few reasons to consider a gym:
- Gyms employ professional fitness experts who are more than happy to help.
- Using gym equipment is much safer when there are other people around.
- A gym atmosphere gives you more motivation to keep up with exercise.
For safety alone, it is worth joining a gym. There are many things that can go wrong when using equipment and having someone there reduces the chances of a serious incident. Being around others who are active is also a powerful way to boost your motivation and keep up with it.
Try Some Supplements
From your 30s onwards, it is common to feel the effects of age. Of course,30 and 40 are still young, but the body and mind don’t perform the same as any younger than this. Stiff joints, sore muscles, and even internal problems are common as we age. A healthy diet of nutrient-rich foods will help. But even then, you might need a boost. A diet will only do so much, and you can become naturally deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. Supplements can help boost them.
The most common deficiencies are in B vitamins, vitamin D, and Omega-3. A healthy diet will help. However, you may still need supplements. The nutrients mentioned are also crucial for healthy exercise. Vitamin D contributes to bone health. Vitamin B helps regulate cardio, brain function, and energy. Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation. All of these benefits are essential when working out and will contribute to a healthier lifestyle and safer exercise.
Summary
Knowing your limits and working towards them will help when getting fit as an adult. Goals and visualization are key to this. Supplements can also help, and joining a gym provides safety.
