It’s the start of a new year and the perfect time to start forming a new fitness routine, but deciding where to start can be overwhelming. It seems like everyone at the gym already knows every workout in the book, leaving beginners slightly terrified. However, starting to work out is a lot easier than it seems ― all you need to know is where to start. Here are some suggestions for boosting your fitness plan in 2016.
Yoga
Yoga is one of the best ways to tone your body and simultaneously increase your flexibility. With thousands of pictures of headstands and other complicated poses all over the Internet, yoga may seem a little daunting at first. But never fear; with the right attitude and coaching, anyone can learn yoga.
Do Yoga With Me is a free online yoga class that could turn you into a master yogi in no time. The program offers hundreds of yoga tutorials for all skill levels, with an extensive amount of videos demonstrating correct poses and technique for beginners. Each video mimics a yoga studio setting, with a teacher guiding you every step of the way. Do Yoga With Me also offers videos that promote mental as well physical wellbeing; there are numerous courses that help individuals cope with anxiety and stress through the practice of yoga.
Running
Most people have a love-hate relationship with running, but running is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise, and you can do it just about anywhere. Couch to 5K is a popular running program that will transform you from a couch potato into a 5K runner over the course of nine weeks.
The Couch to 5K program uses a system of intervals to gradually get your body accustomed to running for an extended period of time. The first week combines short periods of running with long periods of walking, so that even an absolute beginner can easily get started. Each week, the intensity of the workout slowly increases, and your time spent walking decreases, so by the final week, you’ll be able to run a full three miles without interruption.
Once you complete the Couch to 5K program, there are still numerous other ways to keep training. The same trainers that created the program have also developed a 5K to 10K program to increase your endurance, as well as a Pooch to 5K program that will prepare both you and your canine companion to run a 5K.
Strength training
When some people hear “strength training,” their first instinct is to run straight to the weight room, but the dozens of racks of barbells and dumbbells, as well as the endless sea of weight machines, can definitely be intimidating to a novice. If you can resist the urge to pick up the heaviest set of weights at the gym, you’ll find that one of the best options for beginner strength training is to use your own body weight to amp up your fitness routine.
Strength training with your own body weight entails exercises such as planks, push-ups, burpees, triceps dips and lunges. Each of these exercises can be done anywhere and without any equipment, making them ideal for the beginner fitness enthusiast. Websites such as shrinkingjeans.net can provide you with dozens of month-long workout plans using body-weight exercises. You find challenges that target your arms, legs, back and core, so the possibilities for your workout are endless.
Boxing
If you’re sick of running on the treadmill or lifting weights every day, try learning boxing as a fun way to supplement your current workout plan. Boxing requires a balance of finesse and power, which can be achieved through the sport’s recommended training plan of both cardio and strength training. Training for boxing can be done individually, with a punching bag, or with a sparring partner, so you’ll always have the option of training by yourself or with friends.
Expertboxing.com offers a free comprehensive guide to boxing called “The Beginner’s Guide to Boxing.” The guide walks users through the steps of boxing with a series of pictures for you to follow along with. Along with how-to guides for beginners, there is also a vast number of training resources to use once you have reached an intermediate level.
Creating a routine using these workouts, in combination with a balanced diet, can help you achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle. It only takes three weeks to make a habit, so be sure to stick with your new fitness routine all year long.
