Reality Check, Part 1

by Cheng-Ling Chen — January 21, 2008

The year is off to a good start. You've been keeping your fitness resolutions, exercising regularly, and feeling great. Way to go! Let's just do a quick check to make sure you're where you want to be. Women Fitness.net offers a good ten-point checklist to help you assess and make the most of your fitness routine. Here are the first five:

• Pain, Pain, Go Away! Do you feel sore and utterly spent after your workout? If so, these may be signs that you are doing too much. A little muscular soreness is good and shows that you are getting a real workout, but too much pain and fatigue is not good for your mind or body. You should feel relaxed and energetic after exercise.
• Eager Beaver. Notice if you are trying to do too much too quickly. A good gauge is to increase activity gradually, by no more than 10% per week. So if you are running two miles a day but want to run five, increase the mileage gradually by 10% a week. Same if you are walking or weightlifting. Don't burn out early in the game.
• Mix It Up. Are you doing too much of the same activity? Challenge your body by building different exercises into your routine. Combine cardio like running or cycling with strength building like yoga or lifting weights. Mixing it up keeps things interesting and gives your body a thorough workout.
• Warming Up. Prepare yourself mentally and physically by warming up. Going at full intensity without proper warm up can be an unpleasant experience and lead to injury.
• Creature of Habit. Build your exercise routine into a regular schedule. The more you exercise, the more you will tune into your body and recognize the benefits as well as any negative effects you may be experiencing.

Come back tomorrow for five more tips to help you exercise your best.