Anatomy of a Workout
A balanced fitness routine should include:
Primary components
Primary components
- Cardiovascular training – brisk walking, biking, swimming, and dancing
- Strength training – weight bearing exercises for your muscles and bones
- Balance training – particularly important for older individuals to help decrease fall and fracture risks
- Core exercises – for a strong midsection
- Flexibility training – stretches and exercises for increased range of motion
- Fun – you’re more likely to exercise regularly if you enjoy it!
Considerations Before Starting
Starting points
Starting points
- Take measurements and track:
- Total time spent working out and number of days/week you’re active
- The amount of weight you lift, etc.
- Changes in pulse rate, weight loss, or changes in BMI
- Personalize your exercise plan by making it work with your own fitness goals, life schedule, and activity interests. Write it down to stay on track!
- Become familiar with exercise equipment, listen to your body, and break up your exercise intervals throughout the day.
- Ask the exercise specialists in the fitness center to show you how to use different machines and to answer any questions you may have.
- Set and monitor specific goals that you can track along the way!
