Optimize Your Life: Your Guide To a New Workout Routine

In the U.S., many Americans are frustrated by their sedentary lifestyles. Sedentary lifestyles are often associated with low energy, poor diet and physical ailments. Fortunately, anyone can become more physically active and reap the benefits of a new workout routine.

What To Expect From a Regular Workout Routine

The human body is designed to be active. A sedentary lifestyle tends to wreak havoc on various body systems. Once you begin a workout routine, you’ll quickly notice all the different health benefits of working out.

Physical Benefits

Exercise performs a critical role in your overall physical well-being. The systems affected by working out include:

• The respiratory system
• The cardiovascular system
• The musculoskeletal system
• The endocrine system

When you work out, your body requires more oxygen, so you’ll notice that you breathe heavier or become out of breath quicker. As you continue to challenge yourself, your lungs become stronger.

Additionally, your cardiovascular system circulates oxygen through your body. Your heart rate and blood pressure increase and your muscles receive the necessary oxygen. Your heart becomes stronger and more efficient when you routinely engage in physical activity that increases your heart rate.

Most people start a workout regimen because of its impact on the musculoskeletal system. You will notice a difference in your joints and posture when you routinely work out. Working out increases your strength and ability to hold various positions and maintain an active daily life.

Regular physical activity can also affect your hormones and endocrine system. The body responds to physical activity by boosting serotonin and dopamine.

Psychological Benefits

People who maintain an active lifestyle are happier than those who don’t. When you work out, you are flooded with feel-good hormones, and the added energy and positive changes to your body can give you more confidence. You may notice increased productivity and focus, making your work and personal life more satisfying and fulfilling.

How To Start Working Out

Most people should aim for about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly and engage in strength training about twice a week. Starting, you must listen to your body and create a routine based on your preferences and limitations.

Determine Your Fitness Level

Start by assessing your overall fitness level. You need to know your baseline fitness scores before you can improve upon them. Likewise, you could overwork and hurt yourself during the routine if you don’t have a solid baseline. Some ways to assess your levels include:

• Checking your pulse rate before and after walking at least one mile
• Counting how many bodyweight exercises you can do
• Determine how far you can stretch with your legs in front of you

If you are a beginner, you should start your routine slowly.

Create a Balanced Routine

Be cautious with your routine at first. If you have any injuries or medical conditions, you should consult a physician before beginning your routine. Your fitness program should be designed with your specific needs in mind.

Start with small amounts of daily physical activity and build activities into your routine. For example, run on the treadmill or cycle on a stationary bike while you watch your favorite show. Choose to walk during phone calls or meetings and find alternatives to taking elevators or driving to different places. Once you’ve gotten into the swing of things, start incorporating strength training exercises into your program by researching exercises for the long head bicep and other similar workouts to add a bit more variety to your routine. 

Your balanced routine should also remain fun. Don’t continue a workout that you don’t enjoy and instead, look for exercises that you like. For example, trampoline workouts, dancing and swimming are all very different exercises that provide similar results. You are more likely to stick to a new routine if you like what you do. Don’t be afraid to stop a specific routine and try something new.

Level Up Your Life Through Physical Activity

Regular exercise can lead to a better, more fulfilling life. You are likelier to experience improved stamina, a lower BMI and more confidence when you have a consistent exercise regimen. Keep in mind that working out doesn’t have to be a job. It doesn’t have to involve workouts that you don’t enjoy. The more you like your routine, the more likely you will stick to it.