A good workout plan challenges you, but always remains realistic. Have you ever set a fitness-related goal but stopped pursuing it? You may have used a fitness plan that did not work for you or that you could not follow consistently. Personalize the plan before you commit to it or abandon it.
Challenging and Balanced
Every workout should be a personal challenge, or you will not progress. A good workout plan is balanced and consists of endurance, strength and flexibility exercises. Some people may need to dedicate more effort to one aspect of fitness than another. For example, if you have strong muscles but lack flexibility, you may have to dedicate more time to flexibility exercises until you feel more balanced. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport, rhythmic activities such as walking, running and swimming can improve your endurance; exercises such as stretching, yoga and tai chi can improve your flexibility; lifting weights and doing push-ups can improve your strength. Your workout plan may need constant modification as you strengthen your weak points. If at any time you feel that your workout is getting too easy, it may be time to make it more challenging.
Realistic
A successful workout plan includes realistic short-term and long-term goals. One of the greatest difficulties in selecting or creating a workout plan is making sure that it is realistic. You may have to try a workout plan for a few days and modify it to make sure that it is realistic for your level and the amount of time that you can dedicate to it.
Convenient
Some workout plans may include equipment or venues that require you to travel to complete a training session. If that is the case, make sure that the workout plan includes convenient locations and times. For example, you may not want to schedule a two-hour workout in the evening if you know that you will be extremely tired from a workday. MedlinePlus, a website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, says most people need at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. Therefore, it is more important to have short workouts on a regular basis than one long workout once a week. Have an alternative routine to perform at home in the event that you are unable to exercise elsewhere. A workout plan is good only if you follow it, and convenience makes this task easier.
Easy to Maintain
Your workout plan should be easy to maintain financially and psychologically. If you are unable to buy a season pass for a ski resort or a membership at a health club, for example, don't make a plan that includes regular skiing or weight machine routines. Go for simpler ideas such as using canned foods as weights, says girlshealth.gov, a website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Also, make note of improvements in your time spent working out, weight lifted or repetitions completed. Regular tracking of progress ensures that you maintain enthusiasm.
Enjoyable
Somewhere between balancing your life and your fitness goal, remember that enjoying yourself is an important part of a good workout plan. It is easy to abandon a workout plan that is not pleasant.
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