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Community Corner

Fitness 2014…..Doing It RIGHT!

Around New Year’s time, health clubs across the country typically enjoy a membership boost as eager souls sign up to make good on their resolutions to "get fit”.  Time and time again, however, enthusiastic newcomers jump into a fitness routine whole-heartedly only to wind up getting hurt, deflating their own ambition, and impeding progress toward attaining their ultimate fitness goals.  While the benefits of an active lifestyle are certainly admirable, leaping into a new exercise regime without the proper preparation can result in debilitating injuries and painful ailments.

As with any new activity, it's essential to take the proper precautions before getting started.  That means working out at your own pace, properly warming up and warming down, listening to your body and not overdoing it, wearing appropriate attire and knowing how to use exercise machines properly.

These tips will help you decrease the likelihood of getting injured during the coming year, and increase the chances of a happily fulfilled New Year's Resolution:

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  • Consult with your doctor before starting any new fitness endeavor.  Having a physical is a great way to start your program on a more individualized note.
  • Remember to start slow.  You can’t expect to stay motivated and safe if you decide to go all-out too soon.  Instead of 2 hours a day, start with 30 minutes.  That should be satisfactory for a newcomer.
  • Rest, rest…..REST!  This is the most underrated component of any successful fitness program.  If the body isn’t given proper healing time or nutrition, result will come slower, if at all.
  • Buy yourself some new fitness apparel.  The right gear is just as important as the right exercise.
  • Seek the help of a professional.  The investment can go a very long way.  He or she will teach you the appropriate ways to operate machines and perform various exercises.
  • Don't ignore pain.  It is normal to feel sore after a workout if you’ve been out of the game for a while.  Pain, on the other hand, is different, and should be checked out immediately if it persists.
  • Treat your body well.  Just as you would perform regular maintenance on your car, the body needs the right nutrient levels and lots of water in order for it to run at tip-top condition and carry out your fitness wishes.
  • It is important that you warm up a bit before you decide to stretch.  Stretching a cold muscle can lead to injury.  You are better off riding a bike or walking on the treadmill for 5-10 minutes before stretching during your workout.
  • Cooling down is just as important as warming up.  Your heart rate will be accelerated after your workout.  Hop back onto the treadmill for a light 10-minute walk before leaving the gym.
  • Keep the workout and your mind fresh.  Vary your fitness activities and add new elements to keep your body guessing, and your motivation high.
  • Having a pal to work out with goes a long way.  Find a buddy who has similar goals and become partners in your war against the flab.
  • Most important of all…..MAKE IT FUN!  There are more ways to get fit than just using barbells.  Join a dance studio, find a biking club, run outdoors, or maybe even join a bowling league.  Any of these activities will help keep thing interesting, and keep you moving in the right direction!
Juan Pla
Co-Fitness Director
THE GYM of Montvale
 2 Chestnut Ridge Road
Montvale, NJ 07645 
Phone: 201-802-9399 
jpla@gettothegym.com
www.GetToTheGym.com
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